Franklin also anticipates Penn State a huge 2026 NFL draft class. “When it comes to player development, we expect to have anywhere between 10 and 12 guys drafted this year,” Franklin said, referring to 2026. “We’ve averaged over five draft picks per year in my 12 years at Penn State, a stat that we’re very, very proud of.”

The Penn State Nittany Lions were one of the main attractions of the Big Ten Media Days. The favorite to win the conference despite watching the Oregon Ducks and Ohio State Buckeyes finish ahead of them in 2024,

Knowles’ toughness, forged on the streets of North Philadelphia, and his intelligence, developed in Catholic grade schools and then St. Joseph’s Prep, are the main reasons why he has become arguably the best defensive coordinator in college football.

True freshmen Daryus Dixson and LaVar Arrington II are two of the most talented players in James Franklin's 2025 recruiting class.

New year, new slate, no outside noise. That’s the mantra in Happy Valley, despite James Franklin being saddled with a 4-20 mark as coach at Penn State against teams ranked in the AP Top 10.