Why Wait? It's TIME For Penn State and James Franklin to Part Ways
Podcast:Locked On Nittany Lions - Daily Podcast On Penn State Nittany Lions Football & Basketball Published On: Sun Oct 12 2025 Description: Penn State and James Franklin are officially at a crossroads. After the humiliating loss to Northwestern, the fanbase, alumni, and donors are unified in frustration — and the writing’s on the wall. Zach Seyko and Zane Brancefield break down why waiting until the end of the season makes no sense, how Franklin’s $50 million buyout complicates everything, and why assistant head coach Terry Smith could be the short-term answer. Plus: what firing Franklin would mean for the roster, NIL, and Penn State’s future as one of college football’s top-10 brands.Become an every-dayer! Subscribe to Locked On Nittany Lions on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@lockedonnittanylions?sub\_confirmation=1Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!SupplyHouseJoin the free TradeMaster program today and score serious perks like priority shipping, lower prices, and a dedicated support line. Visit https://www.supplyhouse.com/apply-for-trademaster to sign up for free and use promo code SHCOLLEGE5 for 5% off your first order.WayfairGet organized, refreshed, and back to routine for way less. Head to https://Wayfair.com right now to shop all things home.PelotonLet yourself run, lift, flex, and push forward. Explore the new Peloton Cross Training Tread+ today at https://www.onepeloton.com.Rugiet150,000 men have made the switch →https://Rugiet.com/LOCKEDONCOLLEGEUse code LOCKEDONNFL to get 15% off your order!DoorDashWith DoorDash Streaks, you save every Saturday you order — stack it up all season and you could save up to $250. Order this Saturday. Keep the streak alive. Fuel your gameday — only with DoorDash. Terms apply. Promo period through 11/18.MazdaIt’s the small details that make the big plays. And just like there’s more to every player, there’s more to a Mazda vehicle.Mazda. Move and Be Moved.GametimeToday's episode is brought to you by Gametime. Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDONCOLLEGE for $20 off your first purchase. Terms and conditions apply.Monarch MoneyTake control of your finances with Monarch Money. Use code LOCKEDONCOLLEGE at https://www.monarchmoney.com/lockedoncollege for 50% off your first year.FanDuelToday's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. Football season is around the corner, visit the FanDuel App today and start planning your futures bets now.FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)Follow & Subscribe on all Podcast platforms…🎧 https://link.chtbl.com/LONittanyLions?sid=YouTubeLocked On College Conferences, HBCU, Basketball & More🎧 https://linktr.ee/LockedOnCollegeFollow the show on X!https://x.com/LockedOnNittanyhttps://x.com/zach\_seyko#lockedonnittanylions #pennstate #nittanylions #pennstatefootball #collegefootball #bigtenfootball #ncaafootball #lockedon #footballKey words:penn statepenn state nittany lionspenn state footballpenn state schedulepenn state universitypenn state football schedulepenn state basketballpenn state gamepenn state ohio statepenn state michiganpenn state wrestlingpenn state scorepenn state newspenn state rosterpenn state football newspenn state football gamecollege footballpenn state recruitingpenn state football recruitingpenn state football todaypsu footballjames franklinandy kotelnickijim knowlesdrew allarmike rhoadescael sandersonjames franklin press conferencemike rhoades press conferencecael sanderson press conferenceRemember to subscribe... https://www.youtube.com/@lockedonnittanylions?sub\_confirmation=10:00 Intro1:10 A change needs to happen2:47 Recent performance and fan disappointment5:32 Franklin's body language suggests he wants out10:38 Potential ramifications of firing Franklin mid-season13:05 Financial implications of Franklin's contract15:37 Has Franklin maxed out his potential at Penn State?18:22 Comparing Franklin's tenure to other coaches20:03 Did Franklin leverage one big win too far?22:41 Impact of high expectations on team performance24:07 Team cracked under pressure of expectations26:33 Recruiting challenges and program stability28:12 Drew Allar failed by Penn State situation Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.