A guiding principle of Penn State head coach James Franklin revolves around culture. He believes that culture should appear in every aspect of a program. Penn State is one of the most storied programs in the country. For the Nittany Lions, the culture permeates not only the team’s players, coaches, and football staff. It also encompasses its students and campuses. It envelopes the 107k strong at every home game, and it connects alumni and fans across the world. Together, Nittany Nation is intended to be there to build and evolve the program’s culture. There are currently a lot of changes across college football, and that impacts the Penn State program. Consequently, Franklin and the Nittany Lions find themselves at a cultural crossroads at Penn State.
Penn State’s uniting rally cry speaks to the pride in the program that was built through the culture. Simply, “We Are,” “Penn State”. There is nothing more iconic in college football than a White Out game kicking off, with a backdrop of We Are from the 107k strong. For good measure, the back and forth wraps up with a mannerly “Thank You” and “You’re Welcome.” The tradition and culture at Penn State are strong, but that tradition is being put to the test. That may also push changes to the culture.
Portal to the Future
Penn State has not utilized the transfer portal as much as other programs. When pushed on the topic, Franklin consistently pointed to the program’s culture. Bringing in the college football equivalent of a free agent could upset the apple cart and disrupt the culture that has been built in Happy Valley. However, in the world of Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) in college football, more players are moving around in the hope of finding the right, and most lucrative, fit. Of note last season, Penn State lost backup quarterback Beau Pribula to the transfer portal just before the College Football Playoffs (CFP) run to the semifinals. Freshman Ethan Grunkemeyer served as the backup, and attempted his first pass in the playoff victory over SMU.
Over the past few seasons, Franklin and the coaching staff have relaxed their reluctance to utilize the transfer portal. Offensive lineman Nolan Rucci and cornerback Jalen Kimber are examples that contributed to last year’s team. Heading into Spring Practice this season, it will be important for quarterback Drew Allar to get comfortable with two of his top targets, Devonte Ross and Kyron Hudson. They are both new additions to the team via the transfer portal.
Franklin is still being selective in his use of the portal, but the increased use of this vehicle to build the program is evident. It is up to the coaches, and team leaders, to ensure the culture stays strong through the changes. However, this bears watching in 2025 and is a big part of why Penn State finds itself at a cultural crossroads.
It’s Just a Field. Or Is It?
Following last season, Penn State embarked on a massive renovation to Beaver Stadium. Carrying a heavy price tag, external forms of funding were going to be very welcome to the project. One such funding mechanism was recently finalized, as West Shore Home Field at Beaver Stadium came to fruition. The school agreed to the 15-year, $50 million naming rights deal, and in so doing will continue to push the boundaries of tradition in Happy Valley. Athletic director Pat Kraft called it a “transformational naming rights deal.”
Penn State has always portrayed itself as team first. It is foundational to the culture (there’s that word again) that has been in place for decades. Their plain uniforms have been representative trademarks. Perhaps even more importantly, players did not have their names on the backs of jerseys. Those player aspects remain. Counter to the anonymity that players through the years embraced, the field those players call home now bears a corporate component, with the West Shore Homes logo appearing on the field.
The Penn State Board of Trustees backed the naming rights agreement, with 22 votes approving, overcoming eight no votes. The decision brought back some of the debate regarding the legacy of Paterno. His statue is gone, but his impact on the program and the community remains. Whether through the football legends who proudly call themselves alumni, or students learning at Paterno Library, the Paterno family is still part of the community. As part of the field naming rights debate, some strongly felt that it should have been Paterno Field at Beaver Stadium. Approximately 73% of the voting Trustees disagreed and took the $50 million. This decision also proves that Penn State is at a cultural crossroads.
The Dichotomy of a Modern Team
To run a successful team, the leader needs to ensure that the right players are in the right places at the right times. Franklin and his coaching staff were able to develop two players who are polar opposites in personality. Of course, a culture can also help unify different personalities.
Tyler Warren fits the mold of the program. Warren was always highly regarded by both teammates and coaches. He earned many accolades after his record-breaking campaign last season. Offensive coordinator Andy Kotelnicki used Warren in many ways throughout the season. He lined up at tight end, as well as receiver, running back, and even quarterback. On one play against USC, Warren snapped the ball, then ran a route and caught an acrobatic touchdown. That one play symbolizes what Warren meant to the program. What also defines Warren is that he always deflected praise to his teammates and coaches.
On defense, the team was led by Abdul Carter. His production reinforced the St1x C1ty tradition brought about by the likes of LaVar Arrington and Micah Parsons. While he moved from linebacker to defensive end, the highlight that will help solidify Carter’s place in Penn State lore was in the semifinal loss to Notre Dame. Playing with an obviously injured arm, Carter still significantly impacted the game. Everyone knows how talented Carter is, including him. Following a big play this past season, Carter struck the Heisman pose. Such actions are counter to how Penn State traditionally operated. This was largely overlooked by traditionalists, because of his talent. In so doing, it reinforced the cultural crossroads that Penn State finds itself in.
Planting a Flag
Evolving with the game is important for Franklin and Penn State to stay successful. As the head coach of the Nittany Lions, he knows the importance of the program’s tradition. It keeps alumni and donors happy. It could also provide a leg-up in recruiting, with the opportunity to join that tradition and have players carve their own niche.
Managing the growth and evolution of a program is never easy. Franklin had one such instance, having to think very quickly and take matters into his own hands. Last season’s win over USC was a thriller, and emotions ran high after the game. Audavion Collins wanted to make sure the new entrants to the Big Ten knew there was a pecking order in the conference. He put a Penn State flag right into the ground at midfield. As soon as Franklin noticed this, he sprinted over and made sure the flag was removed. It is not how Penn State has operated.
These examples are just a few of a growing and evolving program, and the leader is charged with enhancing and fortifying the culture. The success of last season allowed some out-of-character actions to be easily overlooked. It opened the possibility for a big naming rights deal for the field name. No matter if a player started with Penn State or transferred in, or what the field is called, or what the antics of a few players are, the culture needs to remain strong. While Penn State is at a cultural crossroads, all eyes are on how Franklin manages the program.
Main Image: Dan Rainville / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
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