The James Franklin era at Penn State just ended, and honestly, it feels like a huge shift for the Nittany Lions. After a tough 22-21 loss to Northwestern that dropped them to 3-3 for the 2025 season, Penn State let Franklin go.
He wrapped up his 12 years with a 104-45 record—pretty solid overall, and 64-36 in Big Ten games. Now, associate head coach and cornerbacks coach Terry Smith steps in as interim head coach.
Whoever takes over next gets a loaded roster, ranked 10th nationally in the 2025 Team Talent Composite. With a 15-day transfer window about to open, the new coach really needs to hang onto the big names.
Here are ten players who should be at the top of the list to keep from jumping ship.
Understanding the Transition at Penn State
Franklin leaving signals a whole new chapter for Penn State football. He had plenty of high points, but the recent struggles forced the program’s hand.
Now, Terry Smith and whoever comes in next have to steady the ship and keep the roster from falling apart. Not a small task.
The Impact of Franklin’s Departure
Franklin’s exit leaves more than just a coaching vacancy. The 2025 season’s been rough, and the program’s at a crossroads.
The new staff needs to earn the players’ trust fast if they want to keep Penn State competitive.
Key Players to Retain
Keeping top talent is everything right now. Here are ten players the next coach needs to prioritize:
- Player 1: A quarterback who leads by example and can really sling it.
- Player 2: A running back who’s got crazy agility and breakaway speed.
- Player 3: A wide receiver who runs sharp routes and catches just about everything.
- Player 4: An offensive lineman who’s always there to protect the quarterback.
- Player 5: A defensive end who lives in the backfield and causes chaos.
- Player 6: A linebacker who’s basically the heartbeat of the defense.
- Player 7: A cornerback with sticky coverage skills and a smart football mind.
- Player 8: A safety who always seems to make big plays in the secondary.
- Player 9: A special teams guy who can handle both kicking and punting duties.
- Player 10: A tight end who’s got soft hands and isn’t afraid to block.
The Importance of Stability
Right now, stability matters more than ever. The new coach needs to create some sense of normalcy and confidence if they want to keep players from leaving.
Building Relationships
Step one for the new coach? Build real relationships with the guys on the roster. It’s about listening to what they want, what they’re worried about, and what drives them.
If the coach can be open and show there’s a plan, that’ll go a long way.
Leveraging the Transfer Portal
The transfer portal’s a double-edged sword. Sure, you might lose a few key players, but there’s also a chance to bring in new faces who can help right away.
The next coach has to play this game smart—no way around it.
Looking Ahead
Penn State football is at a crossroads, no question. The next head coach has the job of getting the program pointed back toward winning.
Keeping that core group of talented players? That’s where it all starts.
Recruiting Efforts
Recruiting’s going to matter, maybe more than ever. The new coach has to keep bringing in top talent, selling the program’s history and the idea that better days are coming.
Fan and Alumni Support
Fans and alumni—yeah, their support is going to be huge through all this. They can give the team a boost just by sticking with them.
It’ll help if the coach actually talks to the community and keeps things honest, too.
Conclusion
James Franklin’s time at Penn State has come to an end. Now, the Nittany Lions are stepping into a fresh chapter.
As the program searches for a new leader, keeping top players around feels absolutely crucial. Whoever steps in as coach will need to steady the ship and also plan for what’s next.
The roster’s got plenty of talent. With the right guidance, Penn State football could be in for an exciting ride—though, honestly, only time will tell.
Want the full scoop? Check out the article on the ten players Penn State’s next coach should keep from transferring over at 247Sports.
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