In a testament to his leadership, vision, and steady success on the sidelines, Penn State Nittany Lions head football coach James Franklin has been ranked among the top 10 head coaches in the nation in the latest college football rankings released this week. This milestone underscores not only Franklin’s rise among the sport’s most respected figures but also signals the resurgence and renewed national prominence of the Penn State football program.
The prestigious list, compiled annually by a panel of analysts and former players, evaluates college football head coaches based on recent performance, recruiting success, leadership, and impact on their respective programs. Franklin, now entering his 12th season as a head coach and 11th at Penn State, has climbed steadily through the rankings in recent years. This year marks his first appearance in the top 10—a benchmark that places him among coaching elites such as Georgia’s Kirby Smart, Alabama’s n DeBoer, and Michigan’s Sherrone Moore.
A Program Reborn
Since taking over the program in 2014, Franklin has led Penn State out of the shadows of NCAA sanctions and mediocrity into a period of consistent national relevance. Under his guidance, the Nittany Lions have secured multiple double-digit win seasons, New Year’s Six bowl appearances, and high finishes in the AP Top 25 rankings. Perhaps most notably, Penn State captured the 2016 Big Ten Championship under Franklin’s leadership and has maintained a strong presence in the College Football Playoff conversation nearly every season since.
In the 2024 season, the Nittany Lions finished 11-2, capped by a convincing win in the Peach Bowl over LSU. Their only losses came in close contests against two top-5 teams: Michigan and Ohio State. This success, combined with the team’s consistently elite recruiting and strong player development, earned Franklin renewed recognition from national pundits.
“James Franklin has turned Penn State into a model of consistency in one of the toughest conferences in college football,” wrote one analyst involved in the rankings. “His teams are disciplined, explosive, and always in contention. That’s what separates great coaches from good ones.”
Recruiting Powerhouse
A key factor in Franklin’s ascent has been his mastery on the recruiting trail. Year after year, Penn State has finished among the top 10 in national recruiting rankings, often pulling in blue-chip prospects from across the country. Franklin’s 2025 recruiting class is currently ranked No. 5 nationally, featuring five-star quarterback Malik Johnson and a host of elite defensive talent. This recruiting momentum has been essential to maintaining the program’s depth and competing with conference heavyweights like Michigan and Ohio State.
Franklin has also been credited for embracing the modern landscape of college football, including the transfer portal and NIL opportunities. His ability to adapt while maintaining the integrity and tradition of Penn State football has earned him admiration within and outside the program.
Institutional Support and Stability
Franklin’s top-10 ranking is also a reflection of the institutional commitment Penn State has made to football. In 2021, Franklin signed a 10-year contract extension, ensuring stability and continuity within the program. Since then, investments in facilities, staff salaries, and player resources have surged, making Penn State one of the best-supported programs in the country.
That stability has translated into tangible success. Assistant coaches have remained loyal, player development has soared, and off-field issues have been minimal. The result is a well-rounded program that competes at the highest level while staying true to its values.
Looking Ahead
With momentum on their side and another top-tier roster ready for the 2025 season, the Nittany Lions enter the fall with legitimate College Football Playoff aspirations. Franklin has emphasized a “championship or bust” mentality, and many believe that this could be the year Penn State breaks through to its first CFP berth.
“This recognition is nice,” Franklin said in a recent interview, “but it’s about our players, our coaches, and our fans. We’re building something special at Penn State, and we’re not done yet.”
As Penn State eyes greater heights, Franklin’s inclusion in the top 10 signals that the college football world is paying attention. The Nittany Lions are back among the elite—and their head coach is leading the charge.
