The Shocking Truth Behind James Franklin’s Buyout After Penn State’s UCLA Collapse Revealed!

Penn State’s latest setback has everyone talking — and not in a good way. Just days after a brutal White Out loss to Oregon, the Nittany Lions found themselves floundering again, trailing by nearly two touchdowns to a UCLA squad still searching for its first win. Expectations for a bounce-back were high, but instead, Penn State’s struggles dragged on, intensifying whispers about James Franklin’s tenure and whether his time at the helm might be nearing a tipping point. There’s more at play here than just the scoreboard; with Franklin locked into a hefty 10-year, $85 million deal, the financial and contractual hurdles to change loom large. It’s a complex web of performance and money that Penn State’s brass must now navigate carefully, weighing tradition against turbulent results. Curious about what’s next for the Nittany Lions and the implications of Franklin’s massive buyout? LEARN MORE

One week after suffering a crushing White Out defeat against Oregon, Penn State’s football woes deepened Saturday as the Nittany Lions fell behind by nearly two touchdowns against winless UCLA.

What was expected to be a rebound game for coach James Franklin’s team has instead turned into another frustrating afternoon, adding fuel to questions surrounding the longtime coach’s future at Penn State.

How much is James Franklin’s buyout?

Franklin, who signed a 10-year, $85 million contract extension in 2021, remains one of the most secure coaches in college football — at least financially. According to estimates from 247Sports, his buyout figure sits around $56 million. This substantial amount complicates any potential move by the university without support from a collective or donor. The deal keeps Franklin under contract through 2031, making a coaching change both contractually and financially challenging for Penn State especially during the NIL era.

Franklin’s tenure has included consistent top-15 finishes and key bowl appearances. However, as on-field struggles pile up, Penn State’s administration may soon face a difficult financial and competitive decision about the program’s direction.