Much like Penn State football’s entire 2020 season, Senior Day will be unlike anything the Nittany Lions have experienced before.

James Franklin’s program normally invites parents and families onto the field to honor players, cheerleaders, and even team managers in their final games at Beaver Stadium. This Saturday against Michigan State, however, none of that will happen.

“The Senior Day is always something that’s meant a lot to me, the parents, and our players,” Franklin said Tuesday. “It will be different. We can’t have the parents on the field like we normally do. The fans typically come early and show their appreciation and support for them — it’s really pretty cool.”

While they won’t necessarily have a typical send-off, this year’s senior class has certainly been through it all. From New Year’s Six Bowl wins, historic White Out moments, and even this year’s unprecedented campaign, this group has seen it all as Nittany Lions.

Franklin made sure to note all of those achievements during Tuesday’s press conference.

“You’re talking about a group of guys that were a part of a Big Ten Championship, some of them,” Franklin said. “A group that won a Fiesta Bowl Championship, Cotton Bowl Championship…You could make the argument, maybe the most successful four-year stretch at Penn State since joining the Big Ten.”

Franklin added that this seasoned group has been crucial in leading the Nittany Lions through a challenging season. The team will recognize 12 seniors ahead of Saturday’s game against the Spartans. Among the group are stars like Shaka Toney, Michal Menet, and other players who have added value behind the scenes, such as wide receivers Isaac Lutz and Benjamin Wilson.

While there will be just a few family members in the stands to honors these players, Franklin called on fans to honor those players moving on from the program.

“We’ve had a number of fans that have been awesome the last couple weeks, and I think it’s had a real difference for our team,” Franklin said. “Had a bunch of fans out at the airport, along the road on the way to away games. If those fans plans on doing that this week, I would love for them to all do something for these seniors. I’d like for it to be special for them in any way we possibly can.”

While it will be a strange final game at Beaver Stadium, this year’s seniors do have the option to stay in Happy Valley. Since the NCAA ruled that this season won’t count against any player’s eligibility, they’ll all have a chance to play one more year.

As this year’s season comes to a close, Franklin said that will be a discussion that many seniors will have with the coaching staff.

“There’s a lot of conversations that we always have at the end of seasons…Obviously this year with all of the things going on, they make those conversations a little different,” Franklin said. “I’ve encouraged our assistants to start having these conversations on Thursday and Friday, not just about their futures but in general. Just to make sure we’re talking to our guys enough during a time when those conversations are more valuable than ever.”

The Nittany Lions will honor their seniors, attempt to build on a two-game win streak, and battle for the Land-Grant Trophy at Beaver Stadium on Saturday. The game will kick off at 3:30 p.m. on ESPN.