During a recent segment on ESPN, college football analyst and SEC Network personality Paul Finebaum sparked a new round of debate across the sport by calling out what he described as “one of the most overrated coaches in college football.” Known for his unfiltered opinions and deep roots in the Southeastern Conference, Finebaum didn’t shy away from naming names — and this time, his criticism landed on a high-profile figure with a history of hype but, according to Finebaum, not enough substance to back it up.
The coach in question? James Franklin of Penn State.
While Franklin has been a staple in national rankings and conversations since taking over the Nittany Lions program in 2014, Finebaum argued that Franklin’s teams consistently fall short in big games and have failed to elevate beyond the second tier of true College Football Playoff contenders. Despite consistently strong recruiting classes and a top-tier athletic department, Franklin has produced just one Big Ten title in over a decade, a fact that Finebaum used as the foundation for his case.
“Every year we hear the same thing about Penn State,” Finebaum said. “They’re loaded. They’re going to challenge Michigan and Ohio State. And then every year, they lose both of those games and fade out of the playoff picture. At some point, you are what your record says you are.”
Finebaum noted Franklin’s overall record against top-10 teams — a lopsided and unimpressive mark — and pointed to a consistent pattern of coming up short when it matters most. Despite leading Penn State to several 10-win seasons, Finebaum emphasized that it’s the type of wins that matter in college football’s elite tier.
“You can beat Rutgers, Maryland, and Northwestern all you want,” Finebaum said. “But when the lights are brightest, and you’re playing the programs that actually decide championships, Penn State under Franklin has been almost invisible.”
Franklin’s supporters would counter with the argument that he helped restore stability and relevance to Penn State in the aftermath of the program’s darkest chapter. He’s recruited at a high level, built a deep and talented roster, and kept Penn State consistently ranked. Yet Finebaum argues that those accomplishments are no longer enough.
“This is big-boy football,” he continued. “You’re not getting paid over $8 million a year to go 10-2 and lose to Michigan and Ohio State every season. If you’re being marketed as one of the best coaches in America, you’ve got to deliver results that reflect that status.”
The timing of Finebaum’s comments is notable. With the 2025 season approaching, Penn State is once again entering the year with high expectations, led by returning quarterback Drew Allar and a defense projected to be among the best in the country. Yet the schedule again includes daunting matchups with both Michigan and Ohio State — teams that have had Franklin’s number more often than not.
Adding fuel to Finebaum’s
