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Penn State coach James Franklin among college football leaders with the most to prove in 2025, analyst says: Newsstand

Greg Pickelby:Greg Pickel•03/28/25•

GregPickel

James Franklin
Sam Navarro-Imagn Images

Penn State news, notes, and updates for March 28 include a ranking of college football coaches with the most to prove, headlines of the day, and more.

Penn State tweets of the day

On3 national college football reporter Ari Wasserman recently ranked the top 10 coaches with something to prove in 2025. James Franklin checks in at No. 9 on the list.

“Was last season a breakout year for Penn State or was it the result of a charmed path in the CFP? It all depends on how you look at it,” Wasserman writes. “Either way, Penn State did advance to the College Football Playoff semifinals and were in a close game with Notre Dame with a trip to the national title game on the line. Still, Franklin lost every game against teams with equal or more talent, which has been an uncomfortable trend during his Penn State tenure.

“The Nittany Lions return their quarterback, both really good running backs and should once again have a really good defense. Is next year the year Penn State finally beats the best teams in the Big Ten and gets over the hump? Or are we looking at more of the same?”

Florida’s Billy Napier and Hugh Freeze of Auburn lead the list. Other Big Ten coaches on it include USC’s Lincoln Riley, who is No. 3 and Wisconsin’s Luke Fickell (No. 5).

Headlines of the day

After talking with coaches, 4-star DL Richard Wesley is planning visits to Florida State and Penn State: Simmons, On3

Abdul Carter won’t work out at Penn State Pro Day on Friday, Adam Schefter says, amid injury recovery: Pickel, BWI

Penn State Transfer WRs Devonte Ross, Kyron Hudson Under the Microscope in Spring Practice: Engle, Statecollege.com

Family connection sparks upcoming PSU visit for 2026 OL Jack Fuchs: Snyder, BWI

Former Lions running back Tank Smith hired by Robert Morris as assistant RB coach: Linderman, Daily Collegian

Who could replace Carter Starocci, Greg Kerkvliet, and Beau Bartlett in the PSU wrestling lineup?: Pickel, BWI

2028 QB Donald Tabron II enjoyed his latest visit to PSU: Simmons, On3

Quote of the day

“This visit was more in depth than any of my previous visits to Penn State. I had the ability to explore the campus and see the freshmen dorms and classrooms. Also, I was able to meet with the coaches, be in team and position meetings and watch practice.

“I have a very high interest in Penn State. They have had several players from my current high school go there and succeed. They also have a great development plan for quarterbacks.” 

Class of 2028 QB Donald Tabron II on PSU to On3’s Chad Simmons

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