Title: Netflix to Premiere Documentary on Penn State’s James Franklin: A Deep Dive into the Man Behind the Whistle
In an unprecedented move, Netflix has announced the release of a riveting documentary chronicling the life and career of James Franklin, the head coach of Penn State University’s football team. Titled “Unrivaled: The James Franklin Story,” the film promises to offer an unfiltered, emotionally charged, and deeply personal portrait of one of college football’s most polarizing and dynamic figures.
Set to premiere in fall 2025, just ahead of the college football season kickoff, the documentary spans over two decades of Franklin’s career, tracing his journey from humble beginnings in Langhorne, Pennsylvania, to becoming the face of one of the most storied programs in NCAA history. The production—executive produced by Emmy-winner Ezra Edelman (O.J.: Made in America)—blends cinematic storytelling with rare archival footage, exclusive interviews, and behind-the-scenes access never before granted to any media outlet.
Franklin, who took the reins at Penn State in 2014 amidst a cloud of controversy and transition, is portrayed not just as a coach but as a leader, a strategist, and a man often caught at the crossroads of tradition and progress. The documentary doesn’t shy away from the complex realities of his tenure: the pressure to restore Penn State’s reputation post-scandal, the battles on the recruiting trail, the challenges of navigating Big Ten politics, and the scrutiny over high-stakes game-day decisions.
Viewers will see Franklin through the eyes of those who know him best—former players, assistant coaches, athletic directors, family members, and even critics. One particularly striking segment follows Franklin during the 2016 season, as he led the Nittany Lions to a Big Ten Championship in a campaign few predicted would succeed. Cameras capture his pre-game speeches, his emotional moments in the locker room, and the intense scrutiny he faced from media and fans alike.
Yet, “Unrivaled” is not just about football. The film dives deep into Franklin’s upbringing, exploring how his biracial identity and working-class roots shaped his values and coaching philosophy. Viewers will see a man who fiercely protects his players like family, champions academic excellence, and strives to mold young men into leaders off the field.
Netflix executives describe the documentary as “one of the most humanizing and high-stakes sports stories ever told.” With a stirring score by Oscar-nominated composer Nicholas Britell and sharp visual direction from acclaimed filmmaker Nadia Hallgren (Becoming), the film aims to transcend sports and tap into universal themes of resilience, identity, and leadership.
“Unrivaled: The James Franklin Story” arrives at a pivotal moment in college football—where NIL deals, conference realignments, and shifting power dynamics are reshaping the landscape. For Franklin, the documentary could cement his legacy, not just as a coach, but as a transformative figure in modern collegiate athletics.
For fans and skeptics alike, the film offers one undeniable promise: you’ve never seen James Franklin like this.
