A study in contradictions. That’s a summary of James Franklin’s tenure at Penn State. On one hand, his 101-42 record over 11 seasons paints a picture of a coach who has built a consistent winner. The Nittany Lions have been to the postseason in all but one year (2020). They finished in the AP top 10 four times. But…

It’s the big-game struggles that’s delivering this unusual CFP curse to James Franklin. Their lone CFP semifinal loss to Notre Dame this past season was just the latest chapter in a frustrating book. His record against top-five opponents is a sobering 1-15! And until he changes that narrative, the criticism won’t be going away.

James Franklin, however, isn’t dwelling on the negatives. Instead, he’s looking at what he believes is a turning point for the program. The Penn State HC maintained highly positive vibes in his interview with On3’s Andy Staples and Ari Wasserman. Staples then posted a clip of the interview on X on April 1 where Franklin felt high on his program for the first time in 12 years. “I’m in a situation now where, for really the first time here at Penn State, we have the alignment that I’ve been pounding on the table on for 12 years,” he said. “That’s from the board to our president Neeli Bendapudi who’s been phenomenal to our athletic director Pat Kraft who played football in the Big Ten and understands what it takes.” And then there’s him.

“And then the head football coach,” James Franklin said. “It’s kinda unusual. I’ve been here for 12 years which is unusual, just that alone. But I’ve had three different ADs and three different presidents and we’re in a great position right now.” For the 53-year-old HC, that stability could be the missing piece in Penn State’s quest to break through at the highest level.

James Franklin has six years remaining on his contract. Most importantly, he has the backing of an administration that believes in his vision. AD Patrick Kraft, who previously played college football at Indiana, made that clear when he addressed the criticism surrounding the HC. “I’m not going to give credence to the criticism, because I see it differently,” he said. And yeah, the accolades are there for the world to see. 

From 2016 to 2019, James Franklin led his team to 42 victories and a program record of 28 conference wins. When he notched his 100th win with Penn State in the first CFP round against SMU, he joined an exclusive club of FBS coaches to win 100 games at a lone program: Nick Saban at Alabama, Dabo Swinney at Clemson, and Kirby Smart at Georgia. But it’s the National Championship title that brought about the gap. That empty trophy case, remaining bare for over a decade, is a constant reminder.

Kraft, however, believes Penn State is moving in the right direction. “We don’t run away from the expectation,” he said. “Being the head coach of Penn State, there’s so much scrutiny on him and he handles it really well internally. He and I are partners in this.” And maybe, the Nittany Lions might just have the chance to bring home a natty to Happy Valley.

Does James Franklin get another shot at the CFP race?

The expectations in Penn State are once again sky-high. After a semifinal run, James Franklin managed to retain several key players for 2025, including QB Drew Allar. ESPN’s early rankings have them sitting at No. 3, right in the national title conversation. But their schedule could be a roadblock. 

Penn State draws both Oregon and Ohio State in the regular season, with the Buckeyes looming as a road test on November 1. That’s a gauntlet. The good news? The non-conference schedule offers a chance to ease in before the showdown with the Ducks. And then, there’s a timely bye week before that trip to Columbus. 

The Nittany Lions have been in this position before. Right on the verge of breaking through only to fall short. But experience is there now. Getting to the CFP last season was a step forward. Now, James Franklin and his team need to take the next one.