James Franklin updates injury status of Olu Fashanu and Caedan Wallace

James Franklin is liking where Penn State is health-wise ahead of a highly-anticipated Rose Bowl showdown with Utah.

Speaking with the media, Franklin provided an update on whether offensive lineman Olu Fashanu and Caedan Wallace would be able to suit up for the Nittany Lions against the Utes.

“As you guys know, there’s still some time and there’s no reason to rush these guys. I haven’t had a chance to sit down and talk with them and where we’re at. But right now, we’re planning for Olu and Caedan to be available,” stated Franklin. “That could change. We’ll see how this thing goes. We’re not going to rush either of them back. It’ll all be based on where the medical staff feels like they are, and where these guys feel they are, both physically and mentally.

“But we’re planning, and I’ll even throw a bonus one in there, Olu, Caedan, Keyvone [Lee]. We’re expecting to have all three. We’ll see how it plays out.”

Alas, Franklin gave a positive update on Fashnau and Wallace, and even threw in a good update on running back Keyvone Lee.

Things are looking up for Penn State ahead of the Rose Bowl, and Nittany Lions fans can’t wait for the game. It’s going to be a memorable one.

LOOK: Penn State unveils uniforms for highly anticipated Rose Bowl matchup vs. Utah

The Penn State Nittany Lions will face off against a remarkably talented Utah Utessquad in this year’s version of the Rose Bowl. The Nittany Lions unveiled their uniform combo for the highly anticipated game on Wednesday night and it’s a sharp looking photo with a rose in the middle.

Check out the uniform combination Penn State will be rocking in Pasadena, California.

All dressed in 𝐰𝐡𝐢𝐭𝐞 for the 109th Rose Bowl Game ⚪️🌹 pic.twitter.com/zGj85c0xkG

— Penn State Football🌹 (@PennStateFball) December 15, 2022

They’ll be going with their all-white uniforms and there is something about that uniform that makes the Rose Bowl patch pop even more on the right shoulder.

While both teams have been dealing with a number of opt-outs for the matchup, it’s still expected to be one of the best bowl games of the 2022-2023 bowl season. Utah star tight end Dalton Kincaid has already announced that he will skip the bowl game and prepare for the 2023 NFL Draft. The Utes will also be without the Pac-12 Defensive Player of the Year–defensive back Clark Phillips III.

The only opt-outs for Penn State for the Rose Bowl are cornerback Joey Porter, Jr. and wide receiver Parker Washington. Both players declared for the 2023 NFL Draft. 

Penn State has been propelled all season long by their gifted tandem of freshman tailbacks, Kaytron Allen and Nicholas Singleton. Singleton has rushed for 941 yards and 10 touchdowns this year and Allen has rushed for 830 yards and nine touchdowns.

This year’s matchup between Penn State and Utah will be the 109th version of the Rose Bowl Game. The game still continues to have some of the most prestige and tradition of any bowl game on the slate. The field in Pasadena is always immaculately painted and it is truly the college football equivalent of Augusta National in golf. The setting is majestic with the mountains surrounding the field and the beautiful paint job only adds to the spectacular scenery surrounding this event.

On3’s Wade Peery contributed to this article.