James Franklin says Big Ten scheduling decisions are ‘above my paygrade’

Discussion surrounding the Big Ten currently revolves around the 2024 season. USC and UCLA will be coming into the conference, changing the landscape of college football. Opponents for the year have been determined as well, with Penn State being one of the few programs without a protected rival.

Nittany Lions head coach James Franklin was asked about the schedule, saying it’s mainly out of his control. While he was able to voice his opinion, citing his philosophy back to his Vanderbilt days, the decisions are made by people higher up than him.

“It’s above my pay grade,” Franklin said. “That’s a (Penn State AD) Pat (Kraft) question, that’s a commissioner question… Those things are out of my control. And really, right now, outside of my concern. We have meetings as head coaches and ADs. We state our opinions very similar to the opinions I had when I was in the SEC as a head coach as well. At that point, the commissioner has got to make a decision and move forward.”

Even with no protected rivals, Penn State does have some big names on the 2024 schedule. Ohio State and USC will be coming to Happy Valley, revisiting some classic matchups of years prior. Michigan State is a trophy game for the Nittany Lions, with the Land Grant Trophy being competed for at home too.

Unfortunately, Franklin is not too concerned with the list of 2024 opponents. He is focused on the 2023 season, where West Virginia is the first game of the year. Franklin is ready to get training camp started on the fall and eventually take the field against the Mountaineers.

“I am excited and looking forward to getting prepared this year for this season, this schedule that we have. For West Virginia at our place to open the season. Training camp. All that good stuff is really my focus.”

This time next season, Franklin will surely have comments on opponents in 2024. There has to be intrigue with a fresh face like USC coming into town. After all, some of the recent Rose Bowl matchups have been modern classics in college football.

UCLA is on the schedule as well but not until the 2025 season.

Until those dates roll around, do not expect Franklin to comment on them. One thing is on his mind — Sept. 2 against West Virginia.