A Case for James Franklin at Penn State: Leadership in the New Era of College Sports

The landscape of college athletics has changed more in the past three years than in the previous three decades. The introduction of Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) rights and the transfer portal has transformed how Division I programs recruit, retain, and mentor student-athletes. For powerhouse programs like Penn State, these shifts have created both unprecedented opportunities and immense challenges.

At the center of this evolving conversation stands James Franklin, Penn State’s head football coach since 2014. A man once celebrated for stabilizing and revitalizing the program, Franklin now faces scrutiny amid a new age of college sports—one driven as much by economics and mobility as by loyalty and tradition. Yet as criticism mounts, it’s essential to recognize that this moment reflects a national transformation, not merely a coaching issue.

The Growing Pains of a Changing Game

Recent headlines like PennLive’s call for change and The Daily Collegian’s emotional postgame reactions reveal frustration from fans and alumni eager for success in a conference now more competitive than ever. Even Sports Illustrated described the UCLA loss as a “breaking point” for the program’s patience with Franklin’s leadership (SI.com).

But beyond the headlines lies a deeper truth: college football has entered an era where traditional models of coaching and team building are no longer sufficient. The transfer portal, according to Mike Farrell Sports, has completely reshaped roster construction and player development—perhaps even more dramatically than NIL itself. Programs that once relied on multi-year player growth now must manage annual roster overhauls, balancing loyalty with opportunity.

NIL, The Transfer Portal, and the New Playbook

As Saturday Blitz notes, success in today’s college football environment depends as much on managing player movement as it does on on-field strategy. Coaches must now serve as recruiters, mentors, and brand advisors—all while sustaining culture and cohesion.

Even veteran coaches are struggling to adapt. USA Today’s College Sports Wire highlighted that resistance to this new model has already sidelined once-elite programs led by coaches unwilling to evolve. In contrast, Franklin has sought to embrace the changing ecosystem—leaning on Penn State’s academic reputation, national reach, and fan loyalty to navigate the chaos.

Meanwhile, Sports Illustrated’s coverage of Lane Kiffin underscores that even outspoken coaches recognize the new balance of power. Today’s success hinges on adaptability and communication—traits Franklin has shown throughout his tenure.

The Bigger Picture: Leadership, Not Just Wins

Critics often measure success solely in wins and rankings, but leadership in modern college athletics extends far beyond the scoreboard. Franklin’s approach emphasizes character development, accountability, and emotional intelligence, qualities that mirror the university’s academic mission and prepare student-athletes for life beyond football.

Sports remain one of society’s most powerful laboratories for leadership development. Athletes learn teamwork, resilience, and communication—skills that translate directly to success in business, education, and public life. Franklin’s investment in mental health awareness, community service, and personal growth reinforces Penn State’s belief that college athletics are about building people as much as programs.

The Role of Media and Perception

In today’s connected world, the conversation around sports never stops. Social media, blogs, and fan forums amplify every mistake while often minimizing the context behind decisions. Algorithms reward outrage, and measured analysis rarely trends. For coaches like Franklin, this means that leadership is now public, constant, and deeply personal.

As someone who has spent decades working in communication and higher education, I’ve seen firsthand how digital storytelling shapes perception. Coaches, athletes, and universities must now navigate not only the game but the conversation surrounding it. Penn State, through its history and values, continues to demonstrate resilience and class amid these pressures.

Patience, Perspective, and Progress

While the program faces real challenges, the NIL and transfer portal era is still in its infancy. It will take time for equilibrium to return—for rosters to stabilize, cultures to mature, and fans to adjust expectations to a new reality. In this evolving world, James Franklin’s leadership philosophy—rooted in integrity, persistence, and education—remains essential.

For Penn State, success will not be measured solely in bowl appearances or rankings but in how well it adapts, leads, and upholds the spirit of We Are. Franklin’s journey, like the athletes he leads, is one of learning, growing, and refusing to give up.

About the Author

Ryan Abramson is the Director of Strategic Communication at Penn State Lehigh Valley and contributor at Oakridge Leaders, a Bucks County–based consulting firm specializing in leadership development, storytelling, and strategic communications. His work has been featured in outlets such as the Union-Bulletin and on Ryan Abramson’s Penn State faculty page.