Penn State Football: How 0-5 could be a positive in the long run

Newfound aggressiveness in the transfer portal

Franklin has made it clear in the past he was not a fan of the new transfer rules and was not a proponent of where the sport was headed in that regard.

Coming into this offseason, Penn State Football’s biggest transfer was kicker Jordan Stout. Stout is a valuable special teams member and even took on punting duties in 2020, however he is not a true difference maker.

This offseason, Franklin adapted, and acquired five players in the transfer market, all of which were starters at their former school. Rumors are Franklin is not done, as 247sports and Rivals are reporting they are very in on former West Virginia safety Tykee Smith and Memphis wide receiver Tahj Washington

If not for last seasons nightmare start and underwhelming final 4-5 record, would the Nittany Lions been as aggressive in acquiring talent that should immediately pay dividends next fall?

The 2021 recruiting class was underwhelming from the standards Franklin has set over the past few years, but Franklin turned a small class, meaning he had open roster spots, into a positive, a silver lining.

Time will tell if the transfer players have a profound impact, and whether or not there are more on the way even, however it is Franklin’s ability to adapt. It does not matter if he likes the “new” college football, or if he agrees with it, or is comfortable with it, it is what it is.

Penn State Football is choosing to adapt, not die.