The 2025 season has been a catastrophic failure for James Franklin, and the repercussions are undeniable. But what led to this downfall, and is there any hope for recovery?
The Context: James Franklin, the head coach of Penn State, has always been a figure of intrigue. While he's achieved consistent success and built a solid program, his inability to win big games and reach the pinnacle has been a recurring theme. But this season, the narrative took a dramatic turn.
After a heartbreaking 22-21 home loss to Northwestern, Franklin's fate was sealed. This loss, combined with the previous week's shocking defeat at UCLA, marked the first time in football history that a coach lost consecutive games as a 20-point favorite. Penn State's season went from promising to disastrous in a matter of weeks.
The Unraveling: The 2025 season was supposed to be Franklin's moment of truth. But instead, it became a spectacular failure. With a 10-year contract extension in his back pocket, Franklin's team went on a three-game losing streak, a first since 2021. This is a stark contrast to the program's recent success in securing top players and building a strong foundation.
The team's struggles are not solely due to bad luck. Veteran players, despite their hefty paychecks, are underperforming, and highly touted young talents are struggling to make an impact. The injury to quarterback Drew Allar, while unfortunate, exposed the team's lack of depth and reliance on a single player.
The Bigger Picture: While Franklin's tenure at Penn State has had its ups and downs, this season's disaster is unprecedented. As other teams and coaches find redemption, Franklin's fate seems sealed. The question now is not about recovery but about the inevitable divorce between Franklin and Penn State.
And here's where it gets controversial: Is it fair to place all the blame on Franklin? Could there be underlying issues within the program that contributed to this downfall? The answers may spark heated debates among fans and analysts alike.
