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Where will Penn State’s James Franklin coach next year?

By Evan Smith

Oct 2, 2021; University Park, Pennsylvania, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions head coach James Franklin (right) reacts towards a sideline official during the first quarter against the Indiana Hoosiers at Beaver Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew OHaren-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 2, 2021; University Park, Pennsylvania, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions head coach James Franklin (right) reacts towards a sideline official during the first quarter against the Indiana Hoosiers at Beaver Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew OHaren-USA TODAY Sports /
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James Franklin
Penn State Nittany Lions head coach James Franklin (Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-USA TODAY Sports) /

Chris Snyder — Wrestling

Before I throw out my guess as to where James Franklin is going to coach next season, let me ask you a question;  Since 2000, do you know how many FBS head coaches have won their first national championship after being at a program for more than nine years?

Zero.

Next year would potentially be Franklin’s ninth year at the helm at Penn State. Based on the makeup of the current team, and based on who is going to graduate/go to the NFL draft, how much confidence do you have in the team to get over the monumental hump to not only make the College Football Playoff, but to win the whole thing?

I don’t know about you but my confidence level is hovering around one in a million.

So, you’re saying there’s a chance!!  Not exactly. Because I believe James Franklin will be coaching his first season at the University of Southern California next season.

Why, do you ask?

Well for starters the state of California is one of the biggest hotbeds in terms of high school football talent. Do you know how many five-star prospects have been from Pennsylvania since 2018? Three.  California produced ten five-star prospects during this time.  And, we know James Franklin can sell himself and his football program to recruits and their families.

Secondly, USC plays in the Pac-12 South division, which is a stark contrast from the B1G East.

Teams from the Pac-12 South have gone a combined 110-117 since 2018. During this time USC compiled a record of 21-17 while the standout team in the south has been the Utah Utes. Their record? 27-13.

My point? There aren’t any Ohio States or Michigans or Michigan States in that division, nor are there any world-beaters in the entire Pac-12 conference.

If Franklin is able to lock down the in-state talent, while pulling in other studs from the surrounding area, I believe he will assemble enough talent to overcome any coaching deficiencies he may have. And he will be able to out-talent everyone in the Pac-12, thus getting the ball rolling even further in recruiting. Which will lead to more winning. Rinse and repeat.

Lastly, if Franklin wants to be the first African American head coach to win a college football national championship, then USC is the perfect landing spot. And that’s where I see him next year.

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