Eric Boggs
In the latest episode of The OHIO Podcast, hosts Eric, Chris, and Jerry delivered a no-holds-barred discussion on Penn State’s standing in the Big Ten and head coach James Franklin’s tenure. With Franklin entering his eleventh season and holding a 4-17 record against Ohio State and Michigan, the consensus was clear: this may be the make-or-break year for him in Happy Valley.
The trio dissected Penn State’s recurring narrative—solid talent on paper, strong recruiting, but persistent underperformance against top-tier opponents. Jerry, a Pitt graduate living in Pennsylvania, emphasized that even diehard Penn State fans and former players question Franklin’s ability to win meaningful games. “They love the program,” Jerry said, “but they don’t think Franklin’s the guy.”
Chris was even more blunt. He predicted another 9-3 season and labeled Franklin as a coach who routinely “James Franklins things” when the pressure is highest. Despite the hype around quarterback Drew Allar, the podcast panel was skeptical he can elevate the Nittany Lions against elite competition. “He’s good,” Jerry said. “But he’s not the guy who can carry a team when the run game stalls or the line falters.”
The addition of former Ohio State defensive coordinator Jim Knowles was acknowledged as a positive, but Chris reminded listeners that Knowles’ defensive system typically takes three years to mature. With a 2025 schedule that includes trips to USC, Wisconsin, and Iowa, plus hosting both Ohio State and Oregon, the road to a Big Ten title looks daunting.
One key critique centered on Penn State’s lack of explosive wideouts, a consistent shortcoming for years. Despite possessing high-end talent across the roster, the team’s inability to generate big plays when it matters most continues to hurt them in marquee matchups.
As Jerry pointed out, the fan base’s tolerance for 10-2 seasons and Top 10 finishes may be wearing thin. “They bleed for that team,” he said. “But at some point, they have to demand more.” The hosts agreed that while Franklin likely isn’t on the hot seat yet, a failure to reach the Big Ten Championship or make the expanded College Football Playoff this season could force a mutual parting of ways. Eric even speculated that Franklin might start looking toward other jobs—possibly in the SEC—if he feels he’s hit the ceiling at Penn State.
The discussion wrapped with thoughts on whether a full program reboot might follow if this season disappoints. With a roster heavy on upperclassmen, 2025 could be the best shot Franklin has to finally break through. If not now, the podcast concluded, then maybe never.
For a program with such rich tradition and passionate support, the expectation is clear: contend with the elite or make way for someone who can.
