A defining season for Penn State — and for James Franklin

Late in the fourth quarter against Minnesota last fall, the Nittany Lions clung to a narrow 26–25 lead with 3:50 remaining. Facing 4th & 1 from their own 30-yard line, conventional wisdom screamed punt. Minnesota was poised to get the ball back — and possibly go get the win.

Then came the twist.

Freshman tight end Luke Reynolds took a direct snap on a gutsy fake punt, sprinted left, and bolted 32 yards down the sideline. The drive stayed alive. Penn State scored. Game over.

It was a bold, unpredictable call — the kind rarely seen from James Franklin. But it was exactly what Penn State football needed to stay undefeated and keep its playoff hopes alive.

If Penn State is going to reach the national championship in 2025, James Franklin must continue to lean into the unexpected — while mastering the fundamentals that have tripped him up in the past.

Here’s what Franklin can control:

With a rebuilt wide receiver corps and second-year offensive coordinator Andy Kotelnicki at the helm, the playbook is wide open. Senior QB Drew Allar now has the weapons and confidence to execute aggressive schemes — giving Franklin the freedom to stay bold.

Franklin’s clock management and timeout usage have drawn criticism over the years. These are fixable flaws — and in close games, they’re often the difference between playoff contention and heartbreak.

Despite producing multiple first-round picks, Franklin has faced scrutiny for not maximizing his roster’s potential. But this offseason, he delivered a masterclass in portal strategy and player retention. Penn State earned one of the highest transfer grades in the country and returns more starters than nearly any major program — especially on offense.

Franklin is fiercely protective of his players and the culture he’s built. But in today’s social media minefield, public spats with fans and critics can become distractions. Staying composed and focused will be key to keeping the team locked in.

Franklin’s track record against top-five opponents remains a blemish, but recently he’s avoided costly letdowns against unranked teams — something not all elite programs can claim. Notre Dame’s Marcus Freeman, for example, has four losses to unranked opponents in just three seasons. Franklin hasn’t dropped a game like that since 2021.

Still, Franklin knows how damaging those moments can be. A loss to unranked Pitt in 2016 kept Penn State out of the playoff conversation — a lesson that still lingers.

Last season, Penn State missed the national championship by a single field goal. This year, with a loaded offense, a seasoned QB, and a confident coaching staff, the Nittany Lions are built to control their destiny.

But destiny doesn’t wait. It demands precision, unpredictability, and leadership at its sharpest.

For James Franklin, 2025 isn’t just another season. It’s the one that could define his legacy.

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