NEWS | James Franklin ranked just outside of top 10 coaches in 2023

On Wednesday, 247 Sports released their top 35 college football head coaches heading into the 2023 season this fall. On their list are many notable head coaches, including James Franklin of the Penn State Nittany Lions, who ranks No. 11.

James Franklin ranks No. 11 among college football coaches in 2023

Over the past six full seasons, head coach James Franklin has led Penn State football to four 11-win seasons, four top 10 finishes, three New Year’s Six wins, and a Big Ten title. In Penn State’s most recent season, the Nittany Lions finished 11-2 and ranked No. 7 in the nation after defeating No. 8 Utah in the 2023 Rose Bowl game.

Why is Franklin in the top 11?

Here is what 247 Sports has to say about Franklin’s 11th-overall ranking heading into 2023:

“The Nittany Lions’ only two losses last season came to Ohio State and Michigan, which resulted in a top-15 finish for Penn State and a berth in the Rose Bowl. With back-to-back head-turning signing classes and a young core on offense that is near the top of the Big Ten in terms of talent, the Nittany Lions should be one of the league’s frontrunners this fall.”

James Franklin is the 3rd highest Big Ten coach on the list, behind Michigan’s Jim Harbaugh (3) and Ohio State’s Ryan Day (6). This fall, with Drew Allar under center, Franklin’s Nittany Lions could be looking at a massive season that puts Penn State football back in the CFP discussion on a yearly basis.

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