Most Replayed Moment: Inside James Franklin’s Biggest Hire at Penn State

Sep 23, 2025
6 mins

Episode Description

Watch the full episode with James Franklin: https://youtu.be/xPES1GMZl50


Everyone wanted Jim Knowles.

Ohio State. Notre Dame. Oklahoma.

But James Franklin and Penn State got it done.

When the best defensive coordinator in college football hit the market, Franklin didn’t hesitate — and it changed everything.

This wasn’t luck. It was leadership.

It was having the right people — like Pat Kraft — and the right support behind the scenes to win the battles that matter most.


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On Next Up, college football analyst Adam Breneman sits down with the most influential names in college sports and lets them tell their stories unfiltered, direct to the fans. Next Up is a Front Office Sports Network show featuring candid, open, and honest conversations with the most impactful figures in college sports including head coaches, athletes, athletic directors, commissioners, entrepreneurs, media personalities, agents, and executives shaping the business of college sports. Adam is a former All-American, Penn State alum and media personality. Front Office Sports is the leading multi-platform media and news organization covering the intersection of sports, business and culture.

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