The USA Today Coaches Poll was just released today, and the Nittany Lions have made the list, ranking 20th in the nation under James Franklin.
As disappointing of a season as Penn State had last year, they are still one of the more consistent teams in the Big Ten conference. They certainly enter this season with a lot to prove. Some even have opinions of putting Franklin on the hot seat going into the season.
If Penn State struggles again and finishes under .500 this year, then the idea of Franklin being on the hot seat would become more of a conversation. Since arriving at State College, Franklin has put the Nittany Lions on the map. He won the Big Ten championship in 2016 and even made arguments why Penn State belonged in the College Football Playoff that year.
James Franklin has also had a busy summer with recruiting, currently at the top of the 2022 recruiting rankings. Franklin is Penn State’s 16th head coach in program history. As impressive as winning a Big Ten championship in his first three seasons was, he certainly has the talent to do that again, as his continued success has garnered attention from top recruits across the nation.
You could make an argument that 20 is a little bit low of a ranking, considering the teams ranked above them. Last season was Penn State‘s first losing record since 2004. Meaning, they have had winning seasons every year under Franklin.
The Texas Longhorns, ranked 19, will be under a new head coach in former Alabama offensive coordinator Steve Sarkisian. Yes, Texas historically recruits well. But, in terms of developing those guys for the next level, you could make an argument that Penn State has done a better job at that throughout recent years. Texas also gets ranked high every year and ends up not meeting their expectations, hence the firing of Tom Herman, who is currently on the Chicago Bears coaching staff as an offensive analyst/special projects.
Overall, after a disappointing season last year, it makes sense why Penn State is ranked this low. However, if you were to make an argument why they should be higher, you could talk about Franklin‘s continued success at State College.
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