For the Penn State Nittany Lions, the 2024 season ended heartbreakingly with a close loss to Notre Dame in the College Football Playoffs. James Franklin came up short again, and there were concerns that Drew Allar, the team's star quarterback, would leave in the NFL draft.
But he decided to come back and give it another ride at Penn State. At Penn State media day ahead of the 2025 season, Daniel Gallen of Lions247 shared Franklin's bold statement on the team and organization heading into the new season.
Penn State coach James Franklin: I think when you look at all of our personnel, not just our players, but staff and players, it’s our best combination we’ve had in my 12 years here.
— Daniel Gallen (@danieljtgallen) August 2, 2025
"I think when you look at all of our personnel," Franklin said, "not just our players, but staff and players, it's our best combination we've had in my 12 years here."
Franklin's statement isn't necessarily surprising, as coaches praise their team all the time. But, considering the potential that this Penn State team has, it's a comment worth noticing.
Thanks to Allar returning, the loss of players, including Abdul Carter, Tyler Warren, and plenty of others, to the NFL Draft isn't as bad as it could've been.
Nicholas Singleton and Kaytron Allen also make up a dynamic backfield that can help lead the charge for Penn State in 2025. There are plenty of players across the roster who instill confidence, on both offense and defense.
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While Franklin's statement might be exaggerated, especially since practices have yet to start, the on-paper potential and talent warrant such confidence.
The upcoming 2025 season can be a huge one for Penn State, and in year 12 for Franklin, could finally be the year he gets over the hump and into College Football immortality. His resume is solid, but the team needs to go the distance.
Thanks in part to the new playoff format and the potential this team has, they're one of the top teams in NCAA Football for this upcoming season. Franklin has reason to be confident, as this Penn State team might be the best shot he's had at a National title.
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