James Franklin returned to the stand on Wednesday for the first time since mid-June for his press conference at Big Ten Media Days. The head coach addressed the media twice, first taking the main stage for a 15-minute session before heading to a 45-minute breakout session late in the day.

Franklin updated the media on the state of the Nittany Lions heading into this year and highlighted a few players that will be key to the 2024 campaign.

On The New Big Ten

Franklin began his day by officially welcoming the four new teams of USC, UCLA, Washington, and Oregon to the Big Ten. 

While he called the matchups the new conference will create “exciting,” Franklin highlighted the challenges and the work that it took to get the travel logistics worked out to accommodate a conference that now spans the entire United States.

“Some of those challenges are amplified with Penn State being a northeast school without an international airport,” Franklin said. “We spent a ton of time talking to NFL organizations as well as college programs that have done east to west coast travel during the season to find the practices for that.”

Penn State will cross the country once during the regular season to take on USC on October 12.

On The Expanded Playoff

With the 12-team playoff debuting this year, pressure is mounting for the Nittany Lions to earn a spot in the expanded field. Franklin said he’s aware of the success that’s demanded by the fanbase and believes the team demands the same perfection.

“This is a program where you win 10 or 11 games and people aren’t satisfied,” Franklin said. “That’s inside the Lasch Building and out, and we embrace that.”

A playoff berth isn’t the end goal for the Nittany Lions though, as Franklin noted the possibility of a 17-game season.

“Our focus is how do we get into the playoffs, and how do we put ourselves in an advantageous position in the playoffs,” Franklin said.

On Abdul Carter

After being listed as a defensive edge during spring practices, Franklin said Abdul Carter would play both the linebacker and defensive edge as needed this year. 

“Week to week, we’ll decide where he’s going to have the most impact for us,” Franklin said. “We had a really good conversation and he’s open to doing both. That will also put us in a position where people can’t gameplan and know exactly where he’s going to be on the defense, so we’re excited about that.”

Franklin also noted that the defensive star adjusted to the position well during spring practice. Carter has been named for several preseason watch lists, both as a linebacker and defensive end.

On The Coordinators

Penn State is heading into the first year of the expanded Big Ten with three new coordinators, and Franklin is confident that the new team will hit the ground running in 2024.

Offensive coordinator Andy Kotelnicki and defensive coordinator Tom Allen were hired before Penn State’s Peach Bowl loss while special teams coordinator Justin Lustig was hired in mid-January. Franklin said that the interview processes were thorough with multiple phone conversations, zoom calls, and in-person meetings.

Franklin said that the 2023 Nittany Lions struggled to be explosive and Kotelnicki’s tape from Kansas, along with his coaching philosophy and being a “relational leader,” was a deciding factor.

“He’s done enough things as an offensive coordinator over 19 years, he knows how to play to the strengths of his personnel,” Franklin said. 

Allen, the former Indiana head coach, is tasked with taking over one of the top defenses in the nation, but Franklin is confident that the new coordinator will be able to continue the success of the defensive unit.

“Tom has done a really good job stepping into that position,” Franklin said. “We’re really excited to have him on our staff.”

Former Vanderbilt special teams coordinator Justin Lustig rounds out the group of new coordinators this year, bringing years of special teams experience with him.

“[Lustig] is widely regarded as one of the better special teams coordinators in the country, so we’re very excited,” he said. “I’m really impressed with what all those guys have done.”

On Julian Fleming & The Wide Receivers

One of the biggest additions to the Penn State roster this year is Ohio State transfer Julian Fleming. 

The wide receiver was one of the best in the state at the position coming out of high school and was heavily recruited by Franklin and Co. during the process. Having a relationship already in place has helped his transition, and Franklin said he is starting to become a presence in the locker room.

“He came to campus and did what most guys should do, kept his mouth shut,” Franklin said. “He worked, earned everyone’s respect, and now he’s turning into a leader for us.”

Even after the disappointing season from the wide receiver group last year, coupled with the loss of KeAndre Lambert-Smith to the transfer portal, Franklin remains confident that Fleming and the rest of the players in the room will be able to step up under Kotelnicki’s offense this year.

“Julian Fleming, as well as all of the other guys in that room, they had a great summer and we’ve got a ton of confidence in them,” Franklin said. “We’re going to have to play well early on, build confidence, and carry that confidence throughout the season.”

Franklin also declined comment on Lambert-Smith but said he was comfortable with the depth in the wide receiver room.