James Franklin was one of 27 head coaches named to the Paul “Bear” Bryant Award watch list, which honors the college football coach of the season.

The award “recognizes contributions that make the sport better for athletes and fans alike by demonstrating grit, integrity, and a winning approach to coaching and life — both on and off the field.”

Franklin has Penn State off to a 6-0 start and No. 3 ranking in the AP Poll. The Nittany Lions are coming off a 33-30 overtime win at USC, two weeks after a win over then-No. 19 Illinois at Beaver Stadium.

Franklin is one of five Big Ten coaches named to the list. The others are Illinois’ Bret Bielema, Indiana’s Curt Cignetti, Ohio State’s Ryan Day, and Oregon’s Dan Lanning.

The 39th winner of the award will be announced on Wednesday, January 22, 2025, at the Post Oak Hotel in Houston, Texas.