For over a decade, James Franklin has been the steady hand guiding Penn State football. He has delivered wins, bowl games, and a Big Ten title, but one thing is missing from his shelf: a national championship trophy.
As the 2025 season nears, the spotlight on Franklin burns brighter than it has ever been. With a stacked roster and a No. 2 ranking on ESPN’s top coaches list, the Nittany Lions have their best shot in years at ending a title drought that stretches back to 1986. So, is this finally Franklin’s year?
James Franklin Ranked No. 2 on ESPN’s Top 2025 Coaches List
For 2025, Franklin sits at No. 2, a spot that says a lot about how the football world sees him. Franklin’s been a force since arriving in 2014. He has turned Penn State into a regular top-10 team, with five finishes at that level and a Big Ten crown in 2016.
His recruiting game is top-notch. But this recent No. 2 ranking comes with a catch: it’s a reminder that for all his wins, Franklin hasn’t cracked the code against the elite. His (1-14) record against AP top-five teams looms large, and this season could be his chance to flip the script.
James Franklin falls to 4-20 vs. Top 10 opponents. pic.twitter.com/vkBg46EsQs
— College Football Report (@CFBRep) January 10, 2025
Why Penn State’s 2025 Roster Could Be The Difference Maker This Time
If there’s a reason to believe 2025 is different, it starts with the players Franklin’s got on the field. This roster might be his best yet, especially on offense. Quarterback Drew Allar is the centerpiece. Now in his third year as the starter, Allar’s got the experience to match his arm talent. After a strong 2024, he’s ready to take over games, and Penn State’s hopes ride on him doing just that.
In the backfield, Nicholas Singleton and Kaytron Allen are a two-headed monster at running back. Together, they give Penn State a ground game that can instantly control the clock or flip the field.
Defensively, the Nittany Lions are loaded, too. Abdul Carter at defensive end is a name to watch; he’s already pegged as a 2026 first-rounder. The secondary, anchored by cornerback Tony Rojas, should keep passing attacks in check. If the offense clicks like it could, this defense has the pieces to carry Penn State deep into the postseason.
Mounting Expectations Fueling The Pressure On James Franklin In 2025
Franklin’s success isn’t the issue. He’s won 88 games through the 2024 season, fourth among active FBS coaches. But at Penn State currently, success isn’t just about wins; it’s about titles. The program’s poured money into facilities and recruiting, and the fanbase expects results to match. That 1986 national title feels like ancient history, and Franklin’s the guy tasked with bringing back the glory days.
The pressure’s been building for years, thanks to those near misses. Penn State’s been so close, like in 2017 when they lost tight games to Ohio State and Michigan State, derailing a playoff push.
KEEP READING: Is Penn State Following Michigan’s Championship Blueprint? James Franklin’s Roster Retention Strategy in Focus
Franklin’s lone top-five win, the 2016 upset of Ohio State, got them a Big Ten title but not a national one. Now, with a contract through 2030, he’s got security, but another year of “almost” might test the patience of even his biggest supporters.
So, is 2025 finally Franklin’s year? It could be. The roster’s primed, but it’s not all about talent; it’s about execution. If Franklin can get his team to play their best when it matters most, Happy Valley might finally have its championship moment.
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