Penn State's Franklin: 99% of programs 'would die to be where we're at'

Ahead of his 12th season, head coach James Franklin is welcoming heightened expectations amid criticism about Penn State's poor record in big games.

"I'm excited about the opportunity to change that narrative, and so are our players," Franklin told ESPN's Adam Rittenberg. "There's also recognizing that 99% of the programs would love to be in the position that we are. You have to take it as a sign of respect and a compliment, and you have to take it as a challenge. But 99% of the programs in the country would die to be where we're at."

Franklin has established an impressive 101-42 record since 2014, but his 1-14 mark against top-five teams has overshadowed much of his Penn State tenure. Michigan and Ohio State have traditionally thwarted the Nittany Lions' attempts to claim their first Big Ten title since 2016.

In 2024, the Nittany Lions dispatched SMU and Boise State in the first two rounds of the CFP before losing 27-24 to Notre Dame in the Orange Bowl. While stars Tyler Warren and Abdul Carter are headed to the NFL, Penn State returns plenty of firepower. Quarterback Drew Allar provides plenty of experience in big games, and the backfield duo of Nicholas Singleton and Kaytron Allen is considered one of the best running back tandems in the country.

"We were a drive away from playing for a national championship, but it didn't feel that way because the expectations at Penn State are really high," Franklin said.

Penn State will take to the road to play Ohio State on Nov. 1, but Franklin's outfit will have home-field advantage against Oregon when the two schools meet on Sept. 27. The Nittany Lions will open their season against Nevada on Aug. 30.