James Franklin FIRED! Penn State Football Shocker After 12 Seasons (2025)

In a move that has sent shockwaves through the college football world, Penn State has parted ways with head coach James Franklin after a tumultuous 12-year tenure. Just months after a semifinal appearance in the College Football Playoff, Franklin's program took a dramatic nosedive, culminating in a stunning loss to a previously winless UCLA team. But here's where it gets controversial: despite Franklin's impressive overall record—tied for the second-most wins in Penn State history—his struggles against top-tier opponents have been impossible to ignore. Against AP top-10 teams, Franklin's winning percentage stands at a staggering .160, one of the worst records in college football history. And this is the part most people miss: even with a $49 million buyout—the second-largest ever in college football—Penn State's leadership believes this decision is necessary to reclaim their spot among the nation's elite. Associate head coach Terry Smith will step in as interim head coach, but the real question remains: Can Penn State recover from this unprecedented fall from grace? Is firing Franklin the right move, or will the Nittany Lions regret letting him go? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.

James Franklin FIRED! Penn State Football Shocker After 12 Seasons (2025)

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