Under Fire: The 2025 Pressure Cooker Facing James Franklin and Brian Kelly

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As the 2025 college football season approaches, two head coaches find themselves under an especially intense microscope: James Franklin of Penn State and Brian Kelly of LSU.

Both coaches lead teams with legitimate College Football Playoff hopes. Both have top-tier rosters. And both are now deep enough into their respective tenures that fans, boosters and media expect results—not just potential.

But if you had to pick one coach under more pressure, most analysts seem to agree: it’s Franklin.

Franklin Faces a Defining Year

Entering his 11th season in Happy Valley, Franklin has a reputation for recruiting well and beating teams he’s supposed to—but also for coming up short in marquee matchups. His career record against top-10 opponents sits at 4–16. And with Michigan, Ohio State, and now Oregon crowding the Big Ten title picture, that trend has to change.

“This is James Franklin’s defining season,” wrote Adam Sheetz of Nittany Sports Now. “If Penn State doesn’t break through in 2025, it won’t be due to talent—it’ll be coaching.”

Analysts like ESPN’s Greg McElroy have echoed that sentiment. He recently said Franklin is under “the most pressure among college football coaches” this season.

“No more excuses for James Franklin. He has the talent. He has the staff. If he can’t beat Michigan, Ohio State, or Oregon this year, then when?”
— @CFBHeather, July 8

Penn State has arguably its best roster of the Franklin era, including a returning star quarterback and what some believe is a top-five defense nationally. The expectation isn’t just to compete—it’s to win.

The Kelly Countdown in Baton Rouge

That’s not to say Brian Kelly is off the hook. Now in year four at LSU, Kelly is facing rising expectations of his own. The Tigers have reloaded on both sides of the ball and are a trendy pick to win the SEC West. Anything short of a playoff appearance might feel like a step backward.

“LSU is loaded this year. Brian Kelly has had three seasons to get it right. Tigers fans won’t accept anything short of a playoff run.”
— @SECMike, July 10

Kelly hasn’t underachieved at LSU—he’s posted solid records, appeared in New Year’s Six bowls and beaten Alabama once. But he hasn’t yet brought the Tigers back to the CFP, and that’s the bar in Baton Rouge.

Paul Finebaum of the SEC Network noted that Kelly “has to put pressure on himself” this year. With three full recruiting classes and a coaching staff that’s been mostly stable, Kelly has the infrastructure to win now.

Still, the heat around Kelly is different. At LSU, the conversation is about whether he can elevate the program to elite status again. At Penn State, the conversation is whether Franklin is the guy to take that final step at all.

“This might be the best team James Franklin has ever had. If not now, when? If not this year, why not?”
— @CFBJosh, July 11

Different Paths, Same Stakes

Both coaches are chasing titles. Both will be judged by what they do in November—and maybe December. But while Kelly has shown he can at least reach the mountain, Franklin is still trying to convince everyone he belongs there.

“James Franklin doesn’t handle pressure well. If he can’t deliver this year, Penn State may have to ask some hard questions.”
— @finebaum, July 9

If Franklin loses again to Michigan, Ohio State or Oregon, the noise will get louder. If Kelly doesn’t reach the playoff, the whispers in Baton Rouge will begin.

Two coaches. Two powerhouses. One massive 2025.