James Franklin, head coach of the Penn State Nittany Lions, led the team to an 11-2 record in the 2024 season, earning a No. 6 seed in the 12-team College Football Playoff. Penn State made it to the Big Ten Championship Game but lost 45-37 to Oregon. The Nittany Lions beat SMU in the playoffs before falling to Notre Dame in the Orange Bowl semifinal.
Despite a fourth straight season with double-digit wins, Franklin faced criticism for struggles against elite teams like Ohio State and challenges with the transfer portal. With quarterback Drew Allar returning for his senior year, Franklin will focus on player retention and making key portal additions for a 2025 playoff push.
The offseason brought challenges as several key players, including backup quarterback Beau Pribula, linebacker Ta’Mere Robinson, and offensive lineman JB Nelson, left via the transfer portal, testing the team’s depth.
James Franklin Makes Transfer Portal Pitch: Linebackers Wanted at Penn State’s LBU
Franklin acknowledged his team’s strengths and challenges in his post-spring game press conference. “I think we’re in good shape, but there are some concerns there,” he said. “We lost a guy that we didn’t anticipate losing. As you know, we’re not a big portal team, but we must address some issues.
James Franklin with a pitch to linebackers in the transfer portal:
“If there’s a linebacker out there that wants to come and be a part of our program and play for LBU, the most historic linebacker program in the history of college football, there’s an opportunity here.” pic.twitter.com/KfF0RRc4UM
— Lexie Linderman (@lexieleigh28) April 26, 2025
So if a linebacker out there wants to come and be a part of our program and play for LBU, the most historic linebacker program in the history of college football, there’s an opportunity here to join the room and compete.” Franklin’s comments highlighted the team’s need for depth, especially at linebacker, as they look to build for the 2025 season.
Franklin also addressed concerns about the team’s depth for the upcoming season. “I think we’ve got enough in the room, but to get through an entire season if we get some injuries could be challenging,” he said.
“So we’re gonna look at the portal and see if we can find a solution. As you guys know, more times than not we’d like it to be somebody that is connected to us and that we know. Because we’ve got a really good locker room and I want to make sure we’re bringing the right people in our locker room.”
His remarks emphasize the importance of addressing depth and maintaining the team’s strong locker room culture as they look for potential additions through the transfer portal.
KEEP READING: James Franklin Clashes with Fan After Being Called a ‘Fraud’ at Penn State Spring Game
Franklin is focused on strengthening the team while maintaining Penn State’s strong culture. With key portal additions and player development, he aims to ensure the Nittany Lions are ready for a competitive 2025 season.
College Sports Network has you covered with the latest news, analysis, insights, and trending stories in football, men’s basketball, women’s basketball, and baseball!
