As other programs evolve, is Penn State stuck in a loyalty loop?
Another five-star target gone. Another elite coaching prospect says no. Another big game lost when it mattered most. And with each blow, the pressure on James Franklin grows—not just because of what’s happening, but because of what’s not.
For nearly a decade, Franklin has been the face of Penn State football. He rebuilt the program from its post-scandal era and brought it back to national relevance. He’s won a Big Ten title, gone to major bowl games, and helped stabilize a university desperate for steadiness. But now, as the college football world evolves at lightning speed, there’s a growing question in Happy Valley: Has loyalty to James Franklin become Penn State’s biggest blind spot?
The Stagnation Problem
Franklin’s record isn’t bad—far from it. He’s consistently delivered 9- and 10-win seasons, kept Penn State in the national conversation, and maintained a strong recruiting pipeline. But in the sport’s most critical moments—against Ohio State, Michigan, and in high-leverage recruiting battles—the results have repeatedly come up short.
Since 2016, Penn State is 4-16 against Top 10 opponents. That stat alone has become a rallying cry among frustrated fans who are no longer satisfied with “almost.”
“Franklin wins the games he’s supposed to win, but rarely the ones that change a season,” said former Penn State lineman Rick Stevens. “At some point, close isn’t good enough.”
Loyalty or Complacency?
Penn State’s administration has been steadfast in its support. Franklin received a 10-year, $85 million extension in 2021, signaling that the university saw him as a long-term cornerstone. But critics now argue that the contract was premature—and worse, that it has insulated Franklin from the kind of accountability other big programs demand.
While schools like Alabama, Michigan State, and even Texas A&M have shown a willingness to make bold (and expensive) coaching changes in pursuit of greatness, Penn State seems content with continuity.
“I’m not calling for a firing,” one prominent Penn State booster said anonymously. “But I do think there’s a culture of comfort that’s setting in. Where’s the urgency?”
Evolving Game, Same Blueprint?
College football has transformed. NIL money talks. The transfer portal is a new battlefield. Recruiting has become more aggressive, more creative, and more ruthless.
And yet, many believe Penn State hasn’t fully adapted. The recent rejection by Kenny Dillingham—a young, dynamic coach who turned down a massive offer from PSU to stay at Arizona State—felt like another warning sign. A fresh voice passed on Happy Valley in favor of building something new elsewhere.
Why? Some say it’s because the pitch hasn’t changed. Others believe the university isn’t showing the boldness top-tier programs demand.
Legacy in the Balance
James Franklin has given Penn State stability, structure, and respectability. But in a sport where momentum is everything, he’s now facing a dangerous narrative: he’s taken Penn State as far as he can.
The loyalty from the administration is commendable—but if results don’t match ambition, that same loyalty could turn into a chain holding the program back.
For now, Franklin remains in charge. But with every near miss, his legacy becomes more defined—not by what he’s built, but by what he hasn’t finished.
