Part 4/13:
Sources suggest Penn State leadership no longer believed Franklin could deliver a championship, especially amid rising rival programs and the surprising success of programs like Indiana under first-year coach Kirk Signetti. Indiana’s victories—like beating Oregon on the road—have really unsettled the perceived hierarchies of college football, prompting a reevaluation at Penn State.
Furthermore, Franklin’s recruiting class was heavily tied to him personally, with multiple top-tier commits (including three of the top 31 prospects for 2027) decommitting quickly after his departure. This could create a talent vacuum, emphasizing the importance of an immediate strong hire to restore stability.