Betting odds refresh periodically and are subject to change. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem and wants help, call 1-800-GAMBLER. This article was originally published on www.si.com/fannation/college/cfb-hq as New head coach emerges as favorite to replace James Franklin at Penn State.

When Christian Hackenberg talks about James Franklin, he does so with a mix of respect and realism. The former Penn State quarterback, who started under both Bill O’Brien and Franklin from 2013 to 2015,

The James Franklin era at Penn State came to an end last weekend when the Nittany Lions fired their coach of 12 years. Franklin left an indelible mark on the program in nearly all the right ways, rebuilding it into a perennial Big Ten and national championship contender after a period of turmoil.

Franklin's lengthy Penn State tenure came to an abrupt end two weeks ago. It's time to reflect on some of the biggest moments of his tenure.

James Franklin says he was shocked when Penn State fired him hours after a loss in which the Nittany Lions also lost quarterback Drew Allar to a season-ending injury but that he cannot wait to coach again elsewhere.

Franklin said he wants to coach again next season, and the transfer portal will help him populate a new roster.

Peterson committed to the Nittany Lions back in January. He's a three-star recruit and the ninth-best recruit in New Jersey, per 247Sports composite rankings. He's also the No. 51 cornerback recruit in the nation for the 2026 recruiting class.

James Franklin made his first comments about his Penn State firing that materialized earlier this week, appearing on a “College GameDay” segment.

Franklin built a loyal group of Penn State assistants and staffers, many of whom could join him at his next program.

There are already several jobs that have come open with over a month left in the regular season. Florida, Arkansas, Oklahoma State, Virginia Tech, UCLA and Stanford are the six non-PSU Power Four openings, while Colorado State, Oregon State, UAB and Kent State have all come open at the Group of Six level.

Thanks to NCAA rules, Penn State players can now enter the portal without penalty following a head coach firing. Don’t be shocked if some high-potential names start weighing their options—especially with the playoffs out of reach and a rebuild incoming.