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43m ago

UCLA Stunner Intensifies Penn State Crisis, Puts James Franklin’s $50 Million Exit Cost in Focus

Penn State faces limited options because of a reported $50 million obligation plus a $700 million stadium renovation.

PASADENA, CALIFORNIA - OCTOBER 04: Head coach James Franklin of the Penn State Nittany Lions looks on against the UCLA Bruins during the second quarter at Rose Bowl Stadium on October 04, 2025 in Pasadena, California. (Photo by Luke Hales/Getty Images)
Rich Janzaruk/Herald-Times / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
Petre Thomas-Imagn Images
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Overview

  • Previously winless UCLA beat then-No. 7 Penn State 42-37, the first 0-4 team to topple an AP Top 10 opponent since 1985, according to the Associated Press.
  • James Franklin acknowledged defensive regression after the Bruins racked up 446 yards, with Nico Iamaleava accounting for five touchdowns in a game UCLA led wire to wire.
  • Penn State fell to 3-2 overall and 0-2 in Big Ten play, denting its playoff hopes with Northwestern, Iowa, No. 1 Ohio State, and No. 7 Indiana still ahead.
  • Reports place the cost to fire Franklin now at roughly $50–$56 million, compared with about $2 million if he leaves for another job, a dilemma compounded by a $700 million Beaver Stadium renovation.
  • Prominent voices such as Paul Finebaum, Stephen A. Smith, and other analysts questioned Franklin’s trajectory, while UCLA’s interim staff—head coach Tim Skipper and play-caller Jerry Neuheisel—pressed to build on the win at Michigan State.