James Franklin believes in player leadership on Penn State roster

USA Today

3 days ago

Player-led culture is the backbone of Penn State's 2025 goals
When James Franklin stepped to the podium at Big Ten Media Day, he didn't waste time talking stats or schedules. Instead, he got straight to what really matters in 2025 — leadership. According to him, everything Penn State wants to accomplish this season will come down to the locker room.
Franklin suggested a player-led team is always going to be better than a coach-led team. And right now, that's the direction this group is headed. He pointed to how veterans have stepped up, how younger guys are starting to buy into the program's standards, and how the culture feels stronger than ever.
He also made it clear this isn't something you can fake. Leadership has to come from the players, not just the captains. It's the day-to-day accountability — the extra reps, the film study, the willingness to speak up when something isn't right. Franklin said when those habits become normal in the locker room, that's when a team becomes dangerous.
Franklin talked about the impact of offseason training and how strength coach Chuck Losey and his staff have played a big role in setting the tone. But again, he came back to the players. He mentioned guys like Drew Allar, and recent first-round draft pick Abdul Carter, and others stepping into leadership roles naturally. They don't need to be hyped — they lead by example.
He also talked about the leadership council and how they've been actively involved in team decisions. Franklin wants his players to have ownership of this team, and that means letting their voices be heard. From little things like practice structure to big-picture goals, the leaders on this squad are involved.
What stood out most is how much Franklin trusts this group. He said there's a different feel in the building. Less drama. More focus. He compared it to some of his best teams in the past, where the players didn't need to be reminded to do the right thing — they just did it.
If Penn State is going to reach the Big Ten Championship again or even make a playoff run, it's going to be because the players took it there. Franklin knows his role as a coach, but he's challenging his team to own it from within. And so far, it sounds like they're answering that challenge.
For a program that's been on the edge of greatness, 2025 might be the year they finally break through. And if they do, it'll be because the leadership didn't come from the top — it came from the locker room.