James Franklin just pulled off what many would call a near miracle in CFB. Yes, in the draft season, PSU feared losing key players. But instead, they got a huge boost as several stars chose to return. While the recruiting ride was going smoothly for the Nittany Lions, they have lately struck a rocky road…

A question surely pops up in everyone’s mind: How did Franklin pull this off when most players would chase pro dreams? Was it the paychecks, or something beyond that? Look, it wasn’t about money or big promises. It was about trust, loyalty, and building something real. “I think it’s the culture we’ve built here,” said Franklin. Adding, “There’s a culture of transformational relationships—true relationships where they know I care about them and their futures.”

So, James Franklin knew exactly how to reach his stars. For Nick Singleton, it was about personal growth and earning his degree, with former PSU standout Olu Fashanu as the perfect blueprint. For Kaytron Allen, the promise of his first fully healthy offseason was the selling point. And for Drew Allar, bouncing back stronger after a tough postseason lit the fire. So, the players’ decisions to stay reflect the incredible culture Franklin has built. But even with a championship-caliber core locked in, Penn State isn’t a finished product. Franklin missed on a key transfer portal opportunity recently — a reminder that if the right piece is still out there, the Nittany Lions must stay aggressive to truly maximize their 2025 window.

When 247Sports’ Emily Proudasked Cooper Petagna about PSU’s WR additions — including Trebor Pena from Syracuse — he was quick to give credit where it’s due. He applauded PSU’s progress but didn’t hold back on what’s still needed: “I like what they’ve done, but here’s my deal with Penn State: You’re right there. You just showed it, right?”

“So, think about this. When’s the next time, if you’re Penn State, you’re going to have that type of offensive line, that type of running game with the two-headed monster in Nick Singleton and Kaytron Allen, have a tight end room that I think could be one of the best in the country, with Luke Reynolds? And then the receivers that you bring in, I love [Trebor] Pena. I think he’s a really good player. I think [Devonte] Ross is a dynamic guy that you can get involved in a lot of different ways,” said Cooper. So, Petagna made it clear — the window is now, and James Franklin’s Penn State can’t afford to miss.

However, Cooper Petagna didn’t stop there. He praised Kyron Hudson, calling him “just so darn solid,” a trait Hudson has carried since his high school days. But Petagna was clear — Penn State is still missing a game-changer. “I want the over-the-top guy who is that big X receiver at 6’3″, 6’4″, dynamic, that defensive coordinators have to account for at all times.” And with Drew Allar getting early first-round NFL buzz, Petagna stressed the urgency, stating, “This right here is your window. So, I’m trying to tell you, go, nudging you – Go get your guy! Spend, overspend if you have to. That guy, to me, would have been Ted Hurst, out of Georgia State, who I think a lot of teams were going all in for.” So, in his eyes, Penn State is close — but still one major move away.

But now, that golden opportunity is gone. Ted Hurst made his decision — he’s staying in Atlanta with Dell McGee at Georgia State. “So, that ends up being fascinating,” said Cooper Petagna. However, Penn State took some swings but missed. Even Sincere Brown, another intriguing target, landed at Colorado. We all know there were names out there — plenty of them. “We’re talking about the deepest position in the transfer portal. I think there’s almost 100 of these guys out of the top 500 players that we have. They almost account for a fifth of the top 500 ranked players,” added Petagna. So, the options were there. But the Nittany Lions let them slip.

Here, Cooper Petagna didn’t hold back, and he’s got a point. “They could have taken swings on multiple guys,” he said, before delivering the real message: now’s not the time for comfort. “Now is the time to take some chances, go win the freaking thing.” Because, with a stacked roster and all the pieces in place, James Franklin’s Penn State has a rare shot. So, don’t waste it playing it safe, as per Cooper. “If I were them, I would just say — no questions going into the season. Don’t leave any doubt. At least, not on paper. And they’re right there,” emphasized Petagna. So, the message is loud and clear: take the swing, or miss the moment.

But while the Penn State head coach missed out on a major portal opportunity, he’s made a clear plea for help at a key position.

James Franklin’s latest portal move

PSU wrapped up spring practice in style with their annual Blue-White game at Beaver Stadium. Fans who missed the event were left in the dark, as PSU chose not to televise the game amid the new transfer portal landscape. Despite showcasing their “all-in” roster for 2025, James Franklin made it clear — the Nittany Lions need to add talent at one key position before fall camp begins.

Penn State’s 2025 roster is shaping up to be one of the nation’s best, with key contributors returning to chase a national title. Yet, James Franklin isn’t resting on his laurels — he’s eyeing the transfer portal for a final boost. Just before the Blue-White game, the Nittany Lions secured a commitment from top wide receiver Trebor Pena from Syracuse. But Franklin made it clear after the game: Penn State is still targeting a key piece to complete the roster — a standout linebacker.

Last week, PSU LB Ta’Mere Robinson shocked fans with his decision to transfer to USC. Coach James Franklin didn’t see this coming, admitting it was a move they hadn’t anticipated. In his post-Blue-White press conference, Franklin stated that PSU would explore the transfer portal to address linebacker depth. “I think we got enough in the room, but if we get some injuries, it could get challenging,” said Franklin. He also made a direct plea to potential transfer LBs: “If there’s a linebacker out there that wants to come and be a part of our program and play for LBU… there’s an opportunity here to join the room and compete.”

Now, let’s see who they land at linebacker to balance their depth through a portal move. But one thing’s for sure: The Nittany Lions cannot play it easy. Every opportunity they get, they HAVE to grab it. And find the right fit!