Ben Jones

Ben Jones

Joined: Aug 27, 2024

Ben Jones is entering his 15th season covering Penn State football, with the last two of those coming from the wilds of Minnesota. He writes the Ben Jones on Penn State substack and is the author of the book "Happy Valley Hockey." You can follow his work here: https://benjonesonpennstate.substack.com/

Virginia Tech head coach James Franklin speaks to fans on the sideline before a Hokies game at Lane Stadium.

A view inside of Beaver Stadium prior to the College Football Playoff game between the SMU Mustangs and Penn State Nittany Lions.

Penn State Nittany Lions head coach Terry Smith celebrates from the sideline during the third quarter against the Indiana Hoosiers at Beaver Stadium.

Virginia Tech Hokies head coach James Franklin speaks during a press conference at Cassell Coliseum.

Penn State Nittany Lions fans cheer before the White Out game vs. the Oregon Ducks at Beaver Stadium.

Football

The Nittany Lions have entered the second month of their search to fill one of the nation's most attractive coaching jobs.

Penn State fans attend the 2025 White Out game at Beaver Stadium between the Nittany Lions and the Oregon Ducks.

Football

Penn State will interview plenty of candidates but likely will hire a coach from one of six categories.

Ohio State Buckeyes running back Quinshon Judkins (1) runs around Penn State Nittany Lions safety Jaylen Reed (1) during a Big Ten football game at Beaver Stadium.

Football

The Nittany Lions and Buckeyes won't play for the next two seasons. Their programs could be much different in 2028.

Penn State Nittany Lions head coach James Franklin watches pre-game warmups against the Northwestern Wildcats at Beaver Stadium.

Football

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

Penn State athletic director Pat Kraft gives two thumbs up to the student section at Beaver Stadium following a Nittany Lions win.

Football

After firing James Franklin, Penn State's athletic director faces enormous pressure to get the next hire right.

Penn State football coach James Franklin arrives with the Nittany Lions before the start of their game vs. the Nevada Wolf Pack.

Football

Franklin got the Nittany Lions into their mess this season. He might be the best person to get them out of it.

Penn State football head coach James Franklin arrives with the Nittany Lions before the start of their game vs. Nevada.

Football

The chants started again during the Nittany Lions' loss to Oregon. But there are costs to considering such a drastic change.

Penn State Nittany Lions head coach James Franklin watches the replay of the final play against the Villanova Wildcats at Beaver Stadium.

Football

The Nittany Lions had three non-conference games and a bye week to install Jim Knowles' defense. The Ducks will provide the first real test.

Penn State football head coach James Franklin arrives with the Nittany Lions for the game vs. the Nevada Wolf Pack.

The Nittany Lions have another chance to end the big-game narrative when they host the Ducks.

Penn State head coach James Franklin, center, in the first half of an NCAA football game against Nevada.

The No. 2 Nittany Lions have a long way to go until the playoff, but it's never too early for fans to worry.

Penn State Nittany Lions quarterback Drew Allar (15) throws a pass during the second quarter against the Nevada Wolf Pack at Beaver Stadium.

The Nittany Lions made the passing game an emphasis of their opener vs. Nevada. Will that continue?

Penn State Nittany Lions head coach James Franklin against the Boise State Broncos in the Fiesta Bowl at State Farm Stadium.

The question, "If not now, when?" has never been truer for James Franklin and the Nittany Lions.