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4h ago

CBS Analyst Tells James Franklin: Win the National Title This Season or Face Firing Calls

A preseason No. 2 ranking has intensified scrutiny of James Franklin’s postseason record.

Jul 23, 2025; Las Vegas, NV, USA; Penn State head coach James Franklin speaks to the media during the Big Ten NCAA college football media days at Mandalay Bay Resort. Mandatory Credit: Lucas Peltier-Imagn Images
Penn State football head coach James Franklin smiles during a practice session outside Holuba Hall on Saturday, August 2, 2025, in State College.
Penn State football head coach James Franklin answers a question at a press conference during football media day in Beaver Stadium on Saturday, August 2, 2025, in State College.
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Overview

  • CBS Sports' Damien Harris said he will start a "fire James Franklin" push if Penn State does not win the championship, likening the program's hype-versus-results profile to the Dallas Cowboys.
  • Penn State opens 2025 as the AP poll's No. 2 team, reinforcing expectations that the Nittany Lions are title contenders.
  • Franklin has one Big Ten crown since 2016, a 1-9 mark against Ohio State, and a 27-24 CFP semifinal loss to Notre Dame last season.
  • Offseason moves included hiring former Ohio State defensive coordinator Jim Knowles, retaining Andy Kotelnicki as offensive coordinator, and adding eight transfers highlighted by Trebor Pena, Devonte Ross, and Amare Campbell.
  • Franklin acknowledged fan frustration with falling short of titles, noting sustained consistency but conceding the need to win marquee games.