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Penn State Football: Grading James Franklin’s offseason

By Alec Whitaker

Sep 25, 2021; University Park, Pennsylvania, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions head coach James Franklin stands on the field during a warm up prior to the game against the Villanova Wildcats at Beaver Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew OHaren-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 25, 2021; University Park, Pennsylvania, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions head coach James Franklin stands on the field during a warm up prior to the game against the Villanova Wildcats at Beaver Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew OHaren-USA TODAY Sports /
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Venice defensive back Elliot Washington (21) wrestles the ball away from West Orange receiver Jayden Gibson (1) on a mid-air interception in the end zone during Class 8A-Region 3 playoff football action in Venice. MATT HOUSTON/HERALD-TRIBUNEFbh Venwo 112821 01
Venice defensive back Elliot Washington (21) wrestles the ball away from West Orange receiver Jayden Gibson (1) on a mid-air interception in the end zone during Class 8A-Region 3 playoff football action in Venice. MATT HOUSTON/HERALD-TRIBUNEFbh Venwo 112821 01 /

4. Recruiting

Fresh off of a top ten recruiting class in 2022, Franklin was ready for more in 2023.

Penn State’s 2023 class currently ranks eighth in the nation. The class has 18 members with 14 of them being blue chip recruits. The class is highlighted by 5-star offensive guard Alex Birchmeier.

The Nittany Lions have gone down to Florida and Alabama and landed some big-time commits. The rough play on the field has not hurt recruiting so far.

There have been some difficulties. The 2023 class has already suffered five decommitments, most notably 4-star quarterback Marcus Stokes. They have also missed out on two key wide receiver targets in Rodney Gallagher and Cam Seldon.

There’s still work to be done in this class. Penn State needs to fill spots at quarterback, offensive tackle and wide receiver. If they can fill those holes, this will be another great class.

The final grade on this class won’t come until February, but as of today it’s looking pretty good. Can’t give out an ‘A grade’ because it’s not complete, but there’s a lot to be happy with here so far.

Grade: B+

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