James Franklin and Penn State University are at a crossroads after the Nittany Lions’ 42–37 loss to previously winless UCLA. This defeat has intensified discussions about the future of Franklin as head coach.
Penn State’s Disappointing Season
Penn State’s 2025 season began with high expectations, especially after coming close to a national title last January. With a returning veteran quarterback and a strong defensive coordinator from Ohio State, hopes were high for a successful year.
However, just five games in, the season has turned into a nightmare. The team has struggled significantly, failing to perform against weaker opponents and displaying a lack of overall skill and strategy in their games.
Issues with Team Performance
The performance has been alarming. UCLA, ranked low in scoring, scored 42 points against Penn State, exposing serious weaknesses in the defense. Coaching strategies appear ineffective, leading to easy touchdowns for their opponents.
Franklin has faced criticism not only for losses against top-tier teams but now for losing to a struggling UCLA team. This raises serious questions about his ability to lead the program moving forward.
Future Considerations for Franklin and Penn State
Firing Franklin could be financially challenging due to a buyout exceeding $50 million. However, the administration may need to address the declining performance by reallocating resources to more successful sports.
Mutual separation seems to be the most viable option, allowing both Franklin and the program to pursue new directions. As it stands, both sides cannot afford to continue in this manner without a significant change in strategy.
