James Franklin believes Penn State has a 'tremendous opportunity' to win a national championship

The Penn State Nittany Lions came up just short of a trip to the national championship game last season. Now, head coach James Franklin is hoping to get over the hump in 2025.

While making an appearance on The Triple Option, Franklin explained that he does want to keep the focus on Week 1. At the same time, it’s no secret that expectations are high, and Franklin does believe the Nittany Lions have an opportunity to win a national championship.

“I think we have a tremendous opportunity to do some special things this year,” Franklin said. “I know you don’t want me to do this, but I am excited about our opportunity. Nevada is our opening game. People are gonna say, ‘Well, that’s not a big game.’ We’ll lose to Nevada and find out quickly. So, we’re focused on that, but I’m also totally comfortable with talking about the things we aspire to do as a team this year and as a season and for these players.”

The 2024 season saw Penn State play in the Big Ten Championship Game and make it to its first College Football Playoff. Importantly, the Nittany Lions were able to retain much of their talent from that team and prevent those key players, including at quarterback and running back, from entering the Transfer Portal or going to the NFL. That returning talent is why Penn State has become such a popular pick.

“To me, that’s the biggest thing is I want these players to experience this. I want these players that have come back and made these sacrifices to be a part of something special. That’s why I wake up very early. That’s why I go to sleep late at night. Trying to put these players in the best position to be successful,” Franklin said. “And have a very, very special season this year at Penn State.”

Few programs have the type of history that Penn State does. At the same time, the Nittany Lions haven’t won a national championship since 1986. Since then, programs like Notre Dame, Colorado, Nebraska, and Tennessee have all won more recent national championships. So, it’s hard not to imagine that there’s pressure on James Franklin to get the job done in Happy Valley.

James Franklin: ‘A lot of confidence’ Zuriah Fisher will have breakout season

Penn State did lose a couple of key players to the NFL. That included Tyler Warren at tight end and Abdul Carter at edge rusher. On the defensive side of the ball, at least, James Franklin is confident turning to Zuriah Fisher to replace Carter.

“I think internally within our program, I think there is a lot of confidence that Fish has got a chance to have a big year. He’s like one of those guys that I don’t think anybody’s talking about right now, outside of the program, based on just not seeing him recently, but there’s a lot of excitement internally, with our players, with our staff. I think those things are really apparent,” Franklin said.

“And again, you’re talking about another older, mature guy that’s had some adversity that he’s had to overcome. Both from a football perspective, as well as some personal stuff as well. I think he’s got a really bright future. I think he’s going to have a chance to have a really, really big year. You say, ‘Cap it off.’ I think technically, I think he has two years left. So, we’ll see how all that plays out. But, we’re excited about what he’s going to be able to do for our defense this year and for our team.”