After Penn State made the decision to fire James Franklin, stomaching a reported $49 million buyout to do so, the university's future and its coveted vacancy took center stage once the shock of the decision wore off.

STATE COLLEGE — Terry Smith has had plenty on his plate since taking over for the fired James Franklin as interim head coach.

"Coach, I really don't have words to express my gratitude," said former Penn State quarterback Trace McSorley, whom Franklin hired this year as an assistant quarterbacks coach. Together, McSorley and Franklin hit the 11-win mark twice and in 2016 won the Big Ten.

Before this week, Penn State fans might not have known who Terry Smith was, but the new interim head coach has deep Pennsylvania roots. Smith came into Penn State’s coaching staff with James Franklin in 2014,

Urban Meyer is throwing his support behind UNLV coach Dan Mullen to replace James Franklin at Penn State. The former coach and FOX Sports analyst made his pitch during Wednesday's Triple Option podcast, saying Mullen’s background makes him an ideal fit for the Nittany Lions.

Penn State entered the 2025 season with realistic national championship expectations behind a veteran-laden roster and the No. 2 spot in the preseason Associated Press Top 25, but those hopes quickly vanished.

McKeesport (Penn.) five-star running back Kemon Spell is back on the market after reopening his recruitment this week following James Franklin being relieved of

James Franklin is on the market, kicked to the curb by Penn State. He's a program builder. Within the SEC, there are programs that need rebuilt.