SHOCKWAVES IN COLLEGE FOOTBALL: TEXAS LONGHORNS PULL OFF STUNNING COUP BY HIRING FORMER PENN STATE COACH JAMES FRANKLIN TO LEAD FOOTBALL PROGRAM INTO NEW ERA

SHOCKWAVES IN COLLEGE FOOTBALL: TEXAS LONGHORNS PULL OFF STUNNING COUP BY HIRING FORMER PENN STATE COACH JAMES FRANKLIN TO LEAD FOOTBALL PROGRAM INTO NEW ERA

 

In a move that has left fans, analysts, and college football insiders buzzing, the University of Texas at Austin has announced the hiring of James Franklin, former head coach of Penn State, as the new head football coach of the Texas Longhorns. This bold and unexpected decision signals the beginning of a brand-new chapter for one of college football’s most storied programs.

 

The news broke early Thursday morning, catching even the most well-connected insiders off guard. Texas athletic director Chris Del Conte confirmed the hire in a hastily organized press conference held at the Longhorns’ Moncrief–Neuhaus Athletic Center.

 

“We are thrilled to welcome Coach Franklin to the Forty Acres,” Del Conte said. “He brings with him a wealth of experience, a proven track record of developing young men, and an unwavering commitment to excellence both on and off the field. This is a transformational moment for Texas Football.”

 

A Bold Move After Tumultuous Years

 

The Longhorns have endured a rocky stretch over the past decade, cycling through multiple head coaches in search of a return to national relevance. With former head coach Steve Sarkisian stepping down after a string of disappointing seasons and failing to bring home a Big 12 title during his tenure, the pressure was on Del Conte and the Texas administration to deliver a game-changing hire.

 

Enter James Franklin — a man with a commanding presence, elite recruiting pedigree, and a resume that includes turning around programs like Vanderbilt and keeping Penn State competitive in the cutthroat Big Ten. Franklin, 53, leaves behind a Penn State program he led for over a decade, compiling a 88-48 record and securing multiple New Year’s Six bowl appearances. His departure from Happy Valley marks the end of an era for the Nittany Lions.

 

“I’m deeply grateful for my time at Penn State,” Franklin said in a statement. “But the opportunity to lead the University of Texas — with its rich tradition, passionate fanbase, and the resources to compete at the very highest level — is something I simply could not pass up. I’m ready to get to work and build something truly special here in Austin.”

 

Immediate Reactions Across the Nation

 

Reactions to the hire have been swift and intense across the college football world. ESPN analyst Paul Finebaum called the move “the boldest hire of the offseason,” noting that Texas clearly intends to make noise as it transitions into the SEC.

 

“James Franklin has recruited at a top-10 level for years, and now he’ll have the Texas brand behind him,” Finebaum said. “This is a dangerous combination if he’s given the support he needs.”

 

Social media erupted with mixed emotions from fans. While many Texas supporters expressed cautious optimism, others questioned whether Franklin — whose teams at Penn State sometimes underperformed in big games — is the right fit for a program with sky-high expectations.

 

Longhorns alumnus and former NFL quarterback Vince Young tweeted, “Let’s go!!! Welcome to the family, Coach Franklin. Bring that fire to the Forty!”

 

What Franklin Brings to Texas

 

Franklin is known not just for his football mind, but for his relentless energy and recruiting prowess. During his time at Penn State, he consistently brought in top-15 recruiting classes and developed NFL talent such as Saquon Barkley, Micah Parsons, and Jahan Dotson.

 

Texas fans hope he can do the same in Austin, where the program has struggled to turn high-ranking recruiting classes into consistent on-field success. Franklin’s disciplined, organized approach to program-building could be the culture reset Texas desperately needs.

 

He also inherits a talented roster and a fertile recruiting ground in the state of Texas. With the Longhorns set to officially enter the SEC in the 2025 season, Franklin will immediately be tasked with preparing the program for a higher level of competition. It’s a challenge he seems to embrace wholeheartedly.

 

“This is a proud program with championship aspirations,” Franklin said. “I didn’t come here to rebuild. I came here to win.”

 

What’s Next for Penn State?

 

Penn State is now left to pick up the pieces and begin its own coaching search — one that is sure to attract significant attention. Early names being floated include Kansas head coach Lance Leipold, Michigan offensive coordinator Sherrone Moore, and even former PSU assistant Joe Moorhead.

 

The Nittany Lions will look to maintain momentum in recruiting while navigating this sudden leadership change. But for now, the college football spotlight is squarely fixed on Austin.

 

With this high-profile hire, the Texas Longhorns have signaled they are done waiting. They’re ready to return to the national stage — and they believe James Franklin is the man to lead them there.

 

Let the new era begin.