ATLANTA — Penn State head coach James Franklin runs a traditional recruiting model that forms the foundation of how he lands and develops top talent. Still, Franklin was excited Friday about how the transfer portal has affected his ability to build his program.
THE transfer portal has been a hot topic in college football circles recently. Tuesday, Ole Miss head coach Lane Kiffin lamented the transfer portal system, comparing it to free agency starting before the NFL playoffs.
Kiffin reinforced those thoughts when asked more questions on the portal Friday during the press briefing ahead of Saturday’s Peach Bowl. Franklin was part of the joint press conference with Kiffin, and the Nittany Lions coach didn’t hesitate when asked for comment.
Franklin seems to agree with Kiffin and echoes his thoughts that the current system isn’t great, despite very different approaches to recruiting.
There are a lot of changes in college football these days, but James Franklin and Lane Kiffin agreed that a lot more change is needed in 2024.
I broke it with @AndrewClayTV on #NittanyNation Today. pic.twitter.com/xlHJLdWgdc
– Allie Bérubé (@allieberube) December 29, 2023
Additionally, Franklin seemed unconvinced that much thought had been given to how the portal currently worked and offered to begin the repair process.
Franklin explained how he thought having a commissioner would help:
“Chip Kelly made some comments a few weeks ago, and I think he said some things publicly that a lot of coaches have been talking about privately for a while. I think Lane obviously brings up some really good points as well.
“I think ultimately, and I’ve said this before, I think the reality is a college football commissioner would be valuable. I think there’s a reason a college football commissioner can work with the NFL commissioner because I think the NFL should work with college football.
“In my opinion, at this time, the conference commissioners are the people best placed to resolve these issues. Gather them all in a room together. You could also have representation from the NCAA, the NFL, and sit down and really start from scratch, a whole new schedule, a whole new model, recommendations. I think that’s really how it’s going to be done in the future.
