James Franklin’s tenure at Penn State came to an abrupt end this weekend, with the Nittany Lions firing him amid a stunning mid-season collapse. Despite the ugly finish—marked by three straight losses and a failure to capitalize on preseason hype—Franklin’s overall pedigree remains impressive. Over 12 seasons in Happy Valley, he compiled a 98-49 record, won a Big Ten title in 2016, and delivered seven top-12 finishes in the College Football Playoff rankings over the last nine years.

Before that, he transformed Vanderbilt into a competitive SEC program, achieving back-to-back nine-win seasons in a place where success is rare. Franklin is a proven recruiter, program builder, and floor-raiser who excels at beating the teams he’s supposed to beat, even if big-game shortcomings (like an 8-19 record against top-10 opponents) have been his Achilles’ heel.

At 53, with a massive $50 million buyout in his pocket, Franklin isn’t desperate for work. He could sit out a year, dip into TV analysis, or wait for the perfect fit. But in a 2025 coaching carousel that’s already heating up, he’ll be one of the hottest names available—a coach who can stabilize and elevate programs without needing elite resources. Based on current speculation, regional ties, and program needs, here are the most likely schools to pursue his services, ranked by probability and fit.

1. Florida Gators

If Billy Napier doesn’t survive Gainesville’s high expectations—and signs point to another underwhelming season—Florida could be the premier landing spot for Franklin. The Gators boast championship-level investment, in-state talent pipelines, and SEC prestige, but they’ve lacked consistency since Urban Meyer’s era. Franklin’s Vanderbilt success proves he can thrive in the SEC’s shark tank with less; imagine what he could do with Florida’s resources. He’d immediately boost recruiting and get the program back into playoff contention, turning the Swamp into a fortress again. This feels like a natural step up, allowing him to silence critics by competing against the Georgias and Alabamas of the world.

On a personal note, I do not want to see this man in Gainesville because he is legit and would be the man to restore the Gators to prominence. Also, as a Georgia fan, I despise Florida.

2. Arkansas Razorbacks

Sam Pittman was fired after inconsistent results, and Arkansas needs a steady hand to navigate the SEC West’s brutality. Franklin’s blue-collar approach aligns perfectly with the Razorbacks’ gritty identity—he’s a motivator who builds tough, disciplined teams. His track record of consistent winning (only one losing season in over a decade) would raise Arkansas’s floor, and his recruiting prowess could tap into Texas and regional talent hotbeds. It’s not the flashiest job, but it’s a solid Power Four gig where Franklin could rebuild his reputation without the white-hot spotlight of a blue-blood program.

3. Virginia Tech Hokies

The ACC is in flux, and Virginia Tech has been adrift since Frank Beamer’s retirement. Brent Pry was canned after an 0-3 start. Franklin could be the splash hire to revitalize Blacksburg. His East Coast roots and energetic style would resonate with Hokie Nation, and his ability to win with underrated talent fits a program that’s resource-constrained compared to Clemson or Miami. Plus, the ACC’s new revenue-sharing model rewards TV draw; Franklin’s charisma and proven success could boost ratings and relevance. This move would keep him in a competitive conference without the Big Ten’s weekly grind.

4. UCLA Bruins

Now in the Big Ten, UCLA is still searching for stability after Chip Kelly’s departure and DeShaun Foster’s firing after the team’s 0-3 start. Franklin’s familiarity with the conference makes him an ideal fit—he knows how to compete against Ohio State and Michigan without always winning the arms race. His West Coast recruiting ties (from his Maryland days) and program-building expertise could elevate the Bruins, who have untapped potential in a talent-rich state. If UCLA commits real NIL and facility dollars, Franklin could turn Pasadena into a consistent bowl contender, proving his methods translate across coasts.

5. Maryland Terrapins

This one’s personal: Franklin has deep DMV connections, having served as Maryland’s coach-in-waiting before a messy split. If Mike Locksley falters down the stretch, the Terps could come calling for a homecoming. Franklin excels at leveraging regional recruiting, and Maryland’s Big Ten membership offers familiarity. It’s a step down from Penn State in prestige, but the lower pressure could let him rebuild quietly while dominating local talent wars against programs like Virginia and Rutgers. Nostalgia aside, it’s a logical safety net if bigger jobs don’t pan out.

Other whispers include North Carolina or even Wisconsin. Ultimately, Franklin’s next move depends on how the carousel spins—expect heavy pursuit from programs tired of mediocrity. Wherever he lands, count on him delivering wins, energy, and perhaps finally that elusive big-game breakthrough. College football is better with coaches like him in the mix.