Penn State upset by UCLA, 42-37: What comes next?

Summary of Penn State upset by UCLA, 42-37: What comes next?

by The Nittany Dispatch: A Penn State Football Podcast

54m•October 5, 2025
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Summary — Penn State upset by UCLA, 42–37: What comes next?

Podcast: The Nittany Dispatch: A Penn State Football Podcast
Topic: Reaction, implications and next steps after Penn State’s shocking home loss to UCLA

Overview

Hosts react to Penn State’s unexpected and damaging 42–37 loss to UCLA. The conversation covers how ugly and uncharacteristic the performance was, immediate fallout (fan anger and program questions), potential implications for James Franklin’s tenure, coaching staff and scheme concerns, roster outlook, and what to watch next.

Key points & main takeaways

  • The loss was historically bad and unexpected — UCLA entered the game one of the worst teams nationally, yet dominated parts of this matchup.
  • The defeat raises legitimate questions about James Franklin’s future at Penn State. Discussion centers on whether a change would be driven by the university or by Franklin himself.
  • Financial and contractual realities complicate any decision to fire Franklin (buyout reportedly between roughly $48M–$56M now; drops over time — cited figure ~ $24M after three years).
  • Even if Franklin were to leave, the hosts believe it’s more likely he would decide to depart (or resign) rather than Penn State force a firing because of the large buyout and ancillary staff buyouts.
  • This feels like a “Groundhog Day” recurrence for the program — the “snowball” pattern (one loss leading to more losses) has occurred multiple times in Franklin’s tenure.
  • Immediate staff shakeups appear unlikely in-season; changes, if any, are probable after the season unless Franklin chooses otherwise.
  • The on-field performance showed systemic problems:
    • Offensive line struggled (penetration on critical plays).
    • Questionable play-calling at critical moments (example: the 4th-and-2 QB power read that was blown up).
    • Defense significantly underperformed compared to expectations.
    • Quarterback Drew Haller played one of his better games; quarterback was not the central issue.
  • Hosts predict a disappointing season finish (7–5 likely; 8–4 generous), with potential for more losses (Northwestern homecoming singled out as a danger).
  • Roster implications: Many key players may move on to the NFL or portal, and program may need a reset. New coaching could flip roster quickly in modern college football.

Notable quotes & insights

  • “This was a very, very historically epically tragically bizarre bad really really bad day for Penn State.” (captures shock and severity)
  • “We’re going to make the national title game… I feel like an idiot for saying that.” (about expectations vs. reality)
  • “This feels like Groundhog Day… the same old same old.” (on recurring collapses under pressure)
  • On the pivotal 4th-and-2 call, Franklin: “It’s a QB power read… they brought edge pressure… they beat the block… give them credit for the aggressive cover-zero call.” (Franklin’s postgame explanation)

Topics discussed

  • Game recap/high-level breakdown (how Penn State lost momentum and control)
  • Critical plays (notably the 4th-and-2 sequence)
  • Offensive line and play-calling critique (Andy Kotelnicki’s decisions questioned)
  • Defensive collapse vs. pregame expectations (hosts had labeled the defense “elite” the prior week)
  • James Franklin’s job security and buyout/contract mechanics
  • Comparisons to 2021 Illinois loss and “snowball” pattern
  • Potential successors / coaching search implications (Matt Rhule mentioned as a historical favorite; hosts also suggested aiming higher — e.g., up-and-coming candidates like Will Stein discussed)
  • Roster reset, recruiting/portal strategy, and future outlook
  • Fan reaction and the upcoming Northwestern homecoming atmosphere

Action items / Recommendations (what to watch next)

  • Monitor official statements and any staff movement; immediate major changes seem unlikely but watch for indicators from Franklin and the athletic department.
  • Track James Franklin’s public posture — his comments and whether he signals willingness to continue.
  • Watch next games as diagnostic moments (Northwestern homecoming, Indiana, Ohio State, Nebraska) — these will define the season’s trajectory and pressure on leadership.
  • Evaluate offensive line play and coaching: if problems persist, an offensive-line rebuild and/or coordinator reconsideration should be prioritized.
  • Prepare for roster management: anticipate portal activity and NFL departures; start identifying transfer targets (hosts mentioned “Nico”/wide receiver-style additions as hypothetical portal fixes).
  • Reassess recruiting and retention strategy if a coaching change becomes likely — modern hires can flip rosters quickly, so be ready to act fast if leadership changes.

Bottom line

This loss is more than a bad game — it exposed deeper, recurring problems and intensified the debate about James Franklin’s future. Financial realities make an immediate administrative firing complicated; however, Franklin deciding to step away is a plausible path. The program likely faces a reset at some point soon, and the next few games will be critical for clarifying whether this is a short slump or the start of a larger organizational shift.