Ever since Penn State fired James Franklin, several big-name candidates have been rumored as potential replacements. One among them is Nebraska’s head coach, Matt Rhule. But Rhule ruled him out of contention after signing a two-year contract extension with the Cornhuskers, which keeps him Nebraska-bound until 2032. As Rhule stepped off the board, a former Penn State QB provided a key update on the matter.

After Matt Rhule’s contract extension came to light, Trey Wallace reported on X, “Matt Rhule staying at Nebraska after agreeing to an extension. After weeks of Penn State speculation, the Nittany Lions search was already turning in a different direction.” To which Clay Travis of Outkick speculated, “Who does Penn State hire now? They are likely to end up with someone way less accomplished and successful than James Franklin.” 

Responding to the speculation, ex-Penn State quarterback Christian Hackenberg wrote, “Don’t know about that! Hold strong!!!!!!!” Hackenberg’s response nearly confirms that Franklin’s replacement is underway and hints that the University is not going to settle for a lesser candidate than the fans are looking for. The former Penn State QB and NFL star has been closely monitoring Penn State athletics and has been providing his insights on the Nittany Lions. Any statement coming from him cannot be taken lightly.

Hackenberg wasn’t a big fan of Matt Rhule taking over the head coaching role at Penn State. Earlier this month, when Matt Rhule’s name was speculated as the potential replacement for James Franklin, Christian Hackenberg reposted Landon Tengwall’s post on X, “Most Penn State fans seem to oppose the idea of Matt Rhule as the next head coach, citing his record vs top teams. But he’s coached at Temple, Baylor, and Nebraska. There’s a big difference between not winning big games at Penn State and not winning big games at those 3 schools.”

If you take a look at Matt Rhule’s record, he has a 65-58 record coaching for Temple, Baylor, and Nebraska, which is a 52.84% success rate. Whereas James Franklin has a better winning percentage than Rhule, with 69.7%. This new contract extension from Matt Rhule has reportedly increased his buyout from $5 million to $15 million. This clearly sets him apart from the recruitment cycle.

Favorites to replace James Franklin

On3 insider, Brett McMurphy, on X revealed Kalshi’s odds on Penn State’s new coach. “With Nebraska extending Matt Rhule’s contract, Louisville’s Jeff Brohm is the new favorite, at 40%, to be Penn State’s next coach via @Kalshi. Ohio State OC Brian Hartline is next at 29%, followed by Missouri’s Eliah Drinkwitz (17%) & Iowa State’s Matt Campbell (14%).”

Based on the report, Louisville’s head coach, Jeff Brohm, is the favorite with 40% odds to become Penn State’s next coach. Brohm has proven his potential, taking Purdue to the Big Ten Championship Game in 2022 and bringing the Cardinals to the ACC contention with a 6-1 record this season. He also has a proven record of developing quarterbacks, making him the best fit for Penn State, but the thing is, will he be leaving his alma mater to risk it with Penn State?

Trailing behind Brohm is Ohio State’s OC Brian Hartline with 29%, Missouri’s Eli Drinkwitz with 17%, and Iowa State’s Matt Campbell at 14%. With LSU and Florida jobs also open, the search may go longer than what AD Pat Kraft had anticipated.