How is Penn State balancing preparing for Notre Dame and also setting itself up for a good year in 2025?

Penn State coach James Franklin admits that his program is dealing with a challenge that goes beyond the one it will face on Thursday when the Lions take on Notre Dame in a College Football Playoff semifinal. It can certainly live with it, of course, considering what it is on the cusp of accomplishing. But, trying to end the 2024 season on a high note while also ensuring the 2025 season is a good one is no easy task. However, it’s the one the Lions are coming to grips with more and more the longer they play. If they beat the Fighting Irish, they’ll play in the CFP title game a week after classes start in State College.

How are the Lions doing their best to ensure that they won’t fall off next year while also not sacrificing any energy that could go toward beating the Fighting Irish and making the championship game?

“So what we’ve been trying to do, this week was harder, again, because we had less days, but the days before we get into the game week, we’re trying to sit down and meet with as many guys as we possibly can about their futures, about NFL decisions, about their futures at Penn State, about NIL, about all these different things, because the most important thing that we could do is retain our current roster for the future,” Franklin said. “But then you do that, you do that two days ago, and then I need them to put that on the back burner, because we’re in game week, and there’s no more talking about it. We’re in game week, and that is easier said than done.”

Some friendly advice

The Penn State coach said he recently talked with a peer at another school about how to handle all of this. He did not name the school. But, read the quote, and you’ll probably have at least a good guess about which one he’s talking about.

“I talked to a buddy at another school that had a really good season, and they were saying that was a mistake that they made, is they put everything into that season, rightfully so, but then a year later, you’re paying for that, right,” he said. “And that’s, the challenge. That’s where having these staff sizes are so important, and trying to balance those two things constantly.”

One can only wonder if the staffer works for Michigan. The Wolverines went all-in on winning last year’s title, which left them short on transfer portal help and behind the eight ball with roster management. That, among many other factors, led to a tough 2024 season. It’s one Penn State hopes to avoid in 2025.

Penn State is trying to perfect the balancing act

But, it isn’t easy. Deadlines are fast approaching even though the end of the season might not be right around the corner. The NFL Draft declaration deadline is Jan. 15. Transfer portal prospects were on campus over the weekend as the Lions try to add to their cupboard for next year before classes start on Jan. 13. And, the portal window will open for the Nittany Lions players for five days after their final game.

It goes without saying that the goal is to beat Notre Dame. Lots of skill will be needed to do that. But, so, too, will the mental aptitude necessary to compartmentalize everything to the right time and place. And, that’s no easy task.

“It’s hard for me at at 52 years old now, and been doing it for 30 years. And, I’m asking 18,19, 20, 21, 22 year old kids to do it, and their families as well,” Franklin said. “So to me, the programs that are able to do that are the most successful programs at this time of the year. Because, as we all know, the calendar does not reinforce that. The calendar does not support that. In a lot of ways, they’re in conflict with one another. So, trying to get our guys to understand that, talking to the leadership council about it, talking to the captains about that. 

“And then what I said yesterday after practice is, if you’re struggling doing that, be honest with me and come into my office and talk to me. I prefer not to. But, if you’re struggling to do that, come into my office and have a man-to-man conversation with me. Let’s talk through it so I can understand where you’re coming from.

“Or, if you’re a captain or you’re on the Leadership Council, and you know it’s happening, come and tell me about it so we can address it and be as transparent and authentic about it as we possibly can. But I thought the last two weeks, we’ve done a really good job of managing them. And, we’re going to have to continue doing. It is easier said than done.”