We're taking a team-by-team look at the state of every Big Ten program as the spring nears. We'll examine coaching, the roster, recruiting and overall trends.
Penn State is up next.
2014 record: 7-6 (2-6 Big Ten, sixth in East Division)
Three-year record: 22-15
Coaching situation: Entering his second season in Happy Valley, 43-year-old James Franklin is something of a perfect fit for the Nittany Lions. He’s charismatic, full of energy and in the right place at the right time as PSU works to distinguish itself among a fast-improving East Division. Franklin’s offensive background should serve Penn State well on the heels of its struggles to move the football in his first season. Defensively, coordinator Bob Shoop was coveted by LSU last month. Franklin has constructed a solid staff, balanced well to teach and recruit.
Roster situation: The Lions remain young after losing just three starters on offense and four on defense. Three juniors left early for the NFL, a testament to the high-end talent in place despite NCAA sanctions, which hurt depth more than overall skill level on the roster. Depth is still a concern, but with scholarship limitations lifted, Penn State can again strive to compete on an even playing field. The defense may take a slight step back from the loss of Mike Hull, but tackle Anthony Zettel remains as an anchor. DaeSean Hamilton is a difference maker on the edge offensively, and QB Christian Hackenberg is still a ready-made star if given proper protection and support.
Recruiting situation: Recruiting is in good shape at Penn State, and it needs to be, what with league foes peering across the borders now more than ever and a renewed rivalry brewing with Pitt. PSU signed 11 Pennsylvanians in the 2015 class, rated a healthy 14th nationally -- one spot ahead of Oregon -- after inking just three from inside the state in 2014. Franklin nabbed nine members of the ESPN 300, and he’s already got four committed for 2016.
Trajectory: Penn State is rising more than the numbers show. Two consecutive seven-win seasons were largely defined by a second coaching change in three years, the harsh effects of scholarship reductions and a two-year bowl ban. While some collateral damage remains evident, the penalties are in the past.
Franklin owes thanks to ex-coach Bill O'Brien for his solid work in a tough time. The new coach is now recruiting free of the sanctions and looks ready to reposition PSU among the division’s elite with Ohio State and Michigan State -- perhaps before Jim Harbaugh and Michigan. A Pinstripe Bowl win over Boston College, yet another regional threat, prevented the school’s first losing season in a decade. It shouldn’t have to worry for years to come about flirting with the .500 mark.