It’s going to be one of the more surreal sights of the 2026 college football season: James Franklin on the Virginia Tech sideline, Matt Campbell leading Penn State out of the tunnel at Beaver Stadium. After more than a decade of Franklin pacing the sidelines in Happy Valley, seeing him in maroon and orange will take some getting used to.
But here we are. The Campbell era has officially begun in State College, and for a large segment of the Penn State fanbase, it couldn’t come soon enough.
There’s a renewed sense of hope, a clean slate, and a coach many believe can elevate the program to that elusive next tier. For those fans, the change isn’t just welcome-it’s overdue.
Still, as easy as it is to look forward, it’s worth taking a moment to look back. Because James Franklin’s tenure wasn’t a failure. Far from it.
In 11 and a half seasons at Penn State, Franklin guided the program through one of the most challenging periods in its history and helped restore its national relevance. Under his watch, the Nittany Lions captured a Big Ten title in 2016, won three New Year’s Six bowl games, recorded six double-digit win seasons, and made their first-ever College Football Playoff appearance in 2024. That’s not just a solid résumé-that’s the kind of run most programs would be thrilled with.
But as often happens in college football, even success has an expiration date. The momentum stalled.
Expectations rose. And when the program didn’t clear the final hurdle-winning the Big Ten consistently or beating Ohio State and Michigan in the biggest moments-the calls for change grew louder.
Eventually, they were answered.
Now, Franklin has found a new home in Blacksburg. And according to those who know him best-his former players-he’s exactly where he should be.
Take Dani Dennis-Sutton, for example. The former five-star defensive end spent three and a half seasons under Franklin and was asked about his coach’s new chapter during Senior Bowl week in Mobile, Alabama.
“It was tough when Coach Franklin left,” Dennis-Sutton said. “Obviously, it was an unfortunate situation, but I’m happy for Coach Franklin and his family.
He’s happy there; he found a new home, a place that appreciates him. So, I’m happy for him.
I’m a Virginia Tech fan now, except when they play Penn State.”
That quote says a lot. Not just about Franklin, but about the bond he built with his players.
The “place that appreciates him” line speaks volumes. It’s no secret that Franklin’s relationship with the Penn State fanbase had grown strained.
For many of his players, that disconnect hit close to home.
Still, there’s no bitterness in Dennis-Sutton’s words-only respect and support. And that’s the tone that seems to be emerging from both sides of this coaching transition.
Franklin gets a fresh start. Campbell gets a shot to take the next step.
Everyone moves forward.
But as Penn State fans turn the page, there’s value in remembering what came before. Franklin may not have delivered a national championship, but he brought the program back from the brink, stabilized it, and made it matter again on the national stage. That’s no small feat.
So, how should Penn State fans feel about James Franklin now? Grateful.
Appreciative. Maybe even a little nostalgic.
Because while it was time for something new, the foundation Franklin laid is what made that next step possible.
And as for Franklin? He’s got a new team, a new challenge, and plenty of familiar faces still rooting for him-just not when he faces his old team.