ESPN commentator Paul Finebaum didn’t back when explaining why Penn State shouldn’t be No. 1 in the preseason Coaches Poll that was released on Monday.
Finebaum, who is never shy about expressing his opinion, says that head coach James Franklin is to blame.
On Tuesday’s edition of ESPN’s “Get Up” program, ESPN senior college football writer Heather Dinich said that Penn State should reside in the top spot of the Coaches Poll (PSU is ranked third, behind Texas and Ohio State).
Finebaum pushed back, according to an article from On3’s Steve Samra, saying in part, “I hate to be the guy telling the young lady to get off my lawn, but Heather, get off my lawn already with Penn State. You’re forgetting the most obvious thing, they still have James Franklin as the head coach, and he’s yet to prove that he can handle this moment.”
Finebaum went on to discuss how the Nittany Lions, under Franklin, have put forth quality teams on paper, but the head coach has “managed to choke them away.”
For context, in a College Football Playoff semifinal game this past season, Penn State held a 10-0 lead over Notre Dame late in the second quarter, but the Fighting Irish would ultimately prevail by a field goal.
In 2024, the Nittany Lions would finish at 13-3 overall and No. 5 in both the Associated Press and Coaches Polls. Looking ahead to the upcoming 2025 campaign, Penn State has the makings of a team poised for another deep CFP run.
On offense, the team is stacked, led by quarterback Drew Allar along with talented running backs Kaytron Allen and Nick Singleton. This past offseason, wide receiver Trebor Pena, an All-ACC second-team performer in 2024, transferred from Syracuse to the Nittany Lions.
While it’s true that Franklin remains in search of his first national title, his tenure in Happy Valley has proven successful. Entering his 12th season with Penn State, he has amassed a 101–42 record and finished in the top 10 nationally on five occasions.
However, the Nittany Lions are just 4-20 against top-10 foes under Franklin. As such, it’s understandable if Finebaum and other pundits remain a bit skeptical that Franklin can lead Penn State to a CFP grand prize.
The Nittany Lions open their 2025 season at home against non-conference opponent Nevada on Saturday, Aug. 30.
