Expectations are sky-high for Penn State in 2025. After falling just one win short of a national title shot, the pressure is cranking up on HC James Franklin. But Franklin is confident his team will grow from last season’s CFP run and B1G title chase. Right now, with a loaded roster returning and a top-tier preseason ranking likely, the Nittany Lions are primed to make a serious push for a national championship. It’s no wonder Franklin is being talked about as one of the coaches most likely to win his first national title next season. So, the stage is set — now it’s time to finish the job.
While Penn State’s roster looks championship-ready, head coach James Franklin has spotted a concern. After the Blue-White Game on Saturday, Franklin wasted no time making a public pitch: talented, available linebackers, PSU wants you. Well, the Lions are hoping to bolster their depth through the NCAA transfer portal. Even with new DC Jim Knowles planning to lean more on two-linebacker sets, the numbers are thin, and experience is even thinner. PSU lost its defensive QB, Kobe King, to the NFL. They also watched rising star Ta’Mere Robinson head west to USC. So, the talent is there, but the urgency for reinforcements is real.
Although Penn State brings back proven playmakers in team captain Dom DeLuca and Tony Rojas, behind them, it’s a sea of unproven backups. And after the Blue-White Game, James Franklin had high praise for 2 young LBs — Anthony Speca, who barely left the field, and Kari Jackson. But it didn’t take long for Franklin to shift gears and make it clear: the Nittany Lions still need help. Honestly, his message to the transfer portal was loud and clear — linebackers wanted, and wanted badly.
James Franklin makes it clear that Penn State will look to the transfer portal for linebacker options moving forward: “I think we’re in good shape, but there’s some concerns there… We lost a guy (USC-bound transfer Ta’Mere Robinson) that we didn’t anticipate losing.”
— Tyler Donohue (@TDsTake) April 26, 2025
On April 27, PSU insider Tyler Donohue shared James Franklin’s honest admission about the team’s transfer portal needs. “I think we’re in good shape, but there’s some concerns there… We lost a guy (USC-bound transfer Ta’Mere Robinson) that we didn’t anticipate losing,” Franklin made it clear. “So, if there is a linebacker out there that wants to come and be a part of our program and play for LBU, the most historic linebacker program in the history of college football, there’s an opportunity here to join the room and compete,” he added. Simply put, James Franklin has been forced to take action after succumbing to the harsh reality of the transfer portal.
However, Anthony Speca, now entering his 2nd season, is being called on to help fill the void, alongside Kari Jackson and Keon Wylie — both working their way back from injuries. It’s a group loaded with potential but still surrounded by question marks. “They’re all stepping up. Keon is hungry. I know Speca’s hungry. I know Kari’s hungry,” said DeLuca.
Meanwhile, DaKaari Nelson, who shifted from safety to LB to add depth, has been sidelined by injury, thinning the unit even more. And that’s opened the door for the freshmen, with none flashing brighter this spring than LaVar Arrington II. “LaVar is an athletic freak… freakishly strong, super fast, and he really flashes on tape,” stated Speca.
Interestingly, Coach Franklin knows exactly what he has — a LB room loaded with talent and upside. But he also knows more reinforcements are a must to build depth and crank up the competition. Although there are options in the portal, Franklin isn’t just looking for bodies; he’s looking for the right fit. Simply, culture matters, and he’s made that clear. Hopefully, sooner or later, the right LB will answer the call.
While Franklin is clear about needing depth, he also made a bold confession about Drew Allar’s backup QBs — and it’s a threat to the competition.
James Franklin’s bold take on QB depth
With Drew Allar back for his senior year, PSU is now turning its attention to the backup QB competition. The Nittany Lions have two promising options, and James Franklin is happy with their progress after spring practice. Speaking to the media on Wednesday, Franklin provided an update on the battle between Ethan Grunkemeyer and Jaxon Smolik. “They’re both playing well,” said Franklin, noting that this competition is likely to continue for some time as they vie for the QB2 spot.
So, the QB2 battle at Penn State is heating up, and PSU insider Tyler Donohue has more insight on the intense competition. James Franklin made it clear: “It’s going to be a battle. And I truly mean that.” Now, among the two contenders, Grunkemeyer has impressed with his accuracy, completing 70% of his passes in spring drills, while Smolik has shown his arm strength, connecting on several deep throws during practice. So, both are playing at a high level, setting the stage for an all-out fight for the QB2 spot. Now, with Franklin’s confidence in both, this battle is far from over.
And despite missing the entire 2024 season due to an unspecified injury, Jaxon Smolik is ahead of schedule in his recovery. However, Coach Franklin couldn’t help but praise Smolik’s impressive comeback, saying, “Yeah, Jaxon has done a heck of a job. We didn’t really know, coming off injury, where he would be.” The coach also admitted, “I thought Jaxon would come off the injury a little rusty. He has not been.” Smolik has shown he’s back in form, setting the stage for a fierce QB competition this spring. And that could pose a threat to starting QB Drew Allar.
But one thing’s for sure: Franklin has the QB depth this season. Now, it’s up to them to perform.
The post James Franklin Forced to Take Action After Succumbing to Harsh Transfer Portal Reality Amid Drew Allar Threat Confession appeared first on EssentiallySports.