Penn State Football’s 2025 Collapse: CBS Sports’ Biggest Underachiever

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**Penn State Football: A Disappointment for 2025**

The world of college football always throws curveballs, but not every surprise feels good. CBS Sports recently called Penn State the biggest whiff of the 2025 season.

Fans and analysts started buzzing after that critique. It’s got people wondering what exactly went wrong and what’s next for this storied program.

The Unfulfilled Potential of Penn State

Penn State has a long history of football success and a fiercely loyal fan base. But the 2025 season just hasn’t matched the hype.

Even with a roster packed with talent, the Nittany Lions have struggled to stand out on the field. Expectations were sky-high, and the results just haven’t matched.

Recruitment Challenges

Recruitment has turned into a real headache for Penn State. Top programs are all fighting for the same elite talent, and it’s tough to come out on top.

The rise of NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) deals only adds another layer of chaos to the process. It’s a different game now, and Penn State’s had trouble keeping up.

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Missing out on top recruits has left obvious holes in key positions. Coaches have had to lean on younger, less experienced players, which makes it harder to stick to the game plan.

Coaching and Strategy Issues

Coaching and strategy haven’t helped matters. James Franklin, who’s been head coach since 2014, faces growing criticism for his decisions during games.

Inconsistent Play Calling

Play calling has been all over the place. Some questionable choices have cost the team big games, and it’s hard for players to stay confident when things feel shaky.

Offensive and defensive schemes often seem stuck in place. Opponents have figured out how to exploit Penn State’s weaknesses, leading to some painful losses.

Injuries and Depth Issues

Injuries have hit the team hard this season. Key players have missed games, and that’s left big gaps in the lineup.

The roster just doesn’t have enough depth to absorb those losses. Less experienced players have been thrown into high-pressure situations, and it’s shown.

Impact of Injuries

When star players sit out, the whole team feels it. Performance dips, and morale takes a hit too.

Without those leaders on the field, the Nittany Lions have struggled to keep their edge. The coaching staff hasn’t had many options, and the pressure on backups is obvious.

Conclusion

The 2025 season has tested Penn State football in ways nobody quite expected. It’s not the end, though. There’s always another chapter—especially if the team faces its issues head-on and tweaks what’s not working.

Plenty of folks are dissecting what went wrong. If you want a deeper dive into why Penn State got labeled the biggest whiff of 2025, check out the full article on CBS Sports.

Fans, hang in there. Sticking with the team through the rough patches matters more than ever. Maybe, with some smart changes and a bit of luck, Penn State will claw its way back to the top and remind everyone what makes college football so unpredictable—and honestly, so much fun.

Joe Hughes
Joe Hughes is the founder of CollegeNetWorth.com, a comprehensive resource on college athletes' earnings potential in the NIL era. Combining his passion for sports with expertise in collegiate athletics, Joe provides valuable insights for athletes, fans, and institutions navigating this new landscape.

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