Matt Rhule to Penn State? Following the Penn State Nittany Lions’ 22-21 defeat to the Northwestern Wildcats in Week 7, the team decided to fire coach James Franklin after 11 and a half seasons in charge of the program. This opens up a vacancy in one of the top programs in the country.
NEW: Nebraska’s Matt Rhule on the Penn State opening:
“I’m not going to talk a lot about job openings when they come. I’m not going to talk about my contract here… I absolutely love it here. I want to continue to take the steps needed to turn this place into a beast.”
(h/t… https://t.co/5rzw82kfOz pic.twitter.com/W4rbPCTlFZ
— On3 (@On3sports) October 13, 2025
One of the options that has been discussed is Nebraska head coach Matt Rhule. However, the Big Ten coach dismissed any rumors in his latest interaction with the press:
“I’m not going to talk a lot about job openings when they come. I’m not going to talk about my contract here… I absolutely love it here. I want to continue to take the steps needed to turn this place into a beast.”
Nebraska’s season, on the other hand, is a positive one. Matt Rhule is currently leading a 5-1 program that’s ranked No. 25 in the nation. If things continue in the right direction, even a College Football Playoff appearance could be in the books for the Cornhuskers. It seems unlikely that Rhule would risk such an achievement even if offered more money.
Who Are The Other Candidates For The Penn State Vacancy?
Matt Rhule has been the most mentioned name in the aftermath of James Franklin’s dismissal from Happy Valley. However, other names have come up. Among them is Indiana’s Curt Cignetti, who took the Hoosiers to the College Football Playoff last season, and they seem to be on their way to a second appearance, with a perfect record and a No. 3 standing in the AP Poll.
Iowa State’s Matt Campbell and Duke’s Manny Díaz are among others who have been mentioned as potential replacements.
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