Penn State fired James Franklin on Sunday , abruptly ending the 12-year tenure of the school’s co-second-most winning coach in its history.

With Saturday’s homecoming loss to Northwestern – a third straight defeat – a season that began with national championship aspirations crashed to Earth and signaled the end for Franklin.

Thank you for everything, CJF. pic.twitter.com/2ZkNYrEbRp — Penn State Football (@PennStateFball) October 12, 2025

Reactions were quick and immediate. Players — past, present and future — took to social media to express their disappointment.

Meanwhile, the recruiting fallout is just beginning.

CURRENT PLAYERS

Senior quarterback Drew Allar:

Penn State quarterback Drew Allar on Instagram in the aftermath of James Franklin’s firing: pic.twitter.com/LPno40kin

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