Following Penn State’s shocking 22-21 loss to Northwestern, their third straight defeat in Big Ten play, the university announced on Oct. 12 that head coach James Franklin had been fired. The decision ended his 12-season run in Happy Valley, where he had a 104-45 record, captured a Big Ten title in 2016 and led the Nittany Lions to their only College Football Playoff appearance in 2024.
The loss to Northwestern was the breaking point for a program that entered the season ranked No. 2 in the AP Top 25, but failed to live up to expectations. After the announcement, reactions quickly spread across the community, including at State High. Students shared mixed feelings about the decision; some were frustrated by the play-calling and player performance, while others were sympathetic due to Franklin’s long career and impact on the community.
Junior Lucas Starks said quarterback Drew Allar’s recent performances, particularly against UCLA, Northwestern and Oregon, were disappointing, though he noted the offense’s struggles went beyond one player.
“I don’t think that Drew Allar made great decisions, although the offense doesn’t fall on Drew,” Starks said.
For others, the firing felt inevitable after the team’s historic collapse, as Penn State became the first top-ten team since 1985 to fall to an 0-4 opponent in the loss to UCLA.
“Before the Oregon game, we were good,” sophomore Daeshon Hardison said. “After the Oregon game, downfall…James Franklin deserved to be fired after that abysmal three-loss stretch.”
Still, some students expressed sympathy for Franklin after the sudden announcement.
“I did feel bad for him. The way that they sent him away the day after and there was like no notice or nothing like that. I just think they should’ve done it at the end of the season if they were gonna do it,” sophomore Micah James said.
Starks argued that while the team struggled in recent weeks, Franklin’s contributions over the years shouldn’t be overlooked.
“He’s had at least 10 great years. We went to the final four last year and we’ve won countless bowl games with him. I think the way that they fired him, the way that he went out, does not really relate to how he coached us and what he’s done for us in the past,” Starks said.
Even so, many students acknowledged that a change was necessary if the program hopes to move forward.
“I think it got to a point where he was the only constant in all these equations and he had to be the one taken out,” junior Kate Wheeler said. “They’ve fired other parts of his coaching staff, and they’ve got new players from the transfer portal, and they still never lived up to what they were supposed to.”
The university’s coaching search is already underway, with names like State High alumnus Matt Rhule from Nebraska, Marcus Freeman from Notre Dame, Curt Cignetti from Indiana and former Alabama coach Nick Saban circulating among fans and analysts. Some students shared their ideas about who should take over.
“I think Marcus Freeman, his philosophy, his way about winning… can bring a lot of good things to Happy Valley, and I would love to see him on the coaching staff next year,” Starks said.
Penn State’s recruiting classes have already taken a hit since Franklin’s departure, with multiple top commits from the 2026 and 2027 classes announcing decommitments. Despite the uncertainty about future rosters, many students remain hopeful that Penn State can rebuild.
“Right now, they seem like they’re playing almost disconnected, so I hope they can become reconnected with each other…and rebuild the program,” Wheeler said.
“I talk for a lot of people when I say I want to see Penn State do good,” Starks said. “I know Penn State is missing a lot of pieces right now…I think Penn State will get back to its full potential once we get those pieces.”
Franklin’s career leaves behind a complicated legacy, one filled with both exciting and frustrating moments. From chants of “Fire Franklin” in 2016, he led the Lions to a Big Ten title later that same season. He also brought Penn State back into national relevance, but often fell short in big matchups. He delivered one signature home win over Ohio State in 2016, but his overall record in big games was underwhelming, going 4-21 versus top-ten teams.
For many in Happy Valley, Franklin’s exit marks the end of an era. As Penn State looks to its future under new leadership, fans and students alike are left hoping that the next chapter brings consistency, connection, and a return to national prominence.
