Penn State Football Faces High Expectations Under Coach Franklin

Penn State enters the 2025 season with high expectations, ranked third in the USA TODAY Preseason Coaches' Poll, marking the highest preseason ranking in over 25 years under head coach James Franklin. Despite pressure and past criticism over his performance against top teams, Franklin embraces the challenge, emphasizing that handling pressure is part of playing at Penn State. The team returns key players such as quarterback Drew Allar and star running backs Nick Singleton and Kaytron Allen, with Allar showing steady improvement and potential for a high NFL draft pick in 2026. Franklin's leadership extends beyond tactics, fostering strong relationships and trust within the team, as noted by both players and staff. The coaching staff has seen significant additions with experienced personnel bringing championship experience, contributing to what Franklin describes as the best combination of talent and depth in his tenure. The team also faces challenges like a longer-than-usual injury recovery period but remains confident in their preparation and summer conditioning data.