Good news:James Franklin , on the doorstep of a Penn State nittany Lion title, did something even harder than winning: The Irish are likable now in…..

James Franklin’s journey as the head coac of the Penn State Nittany Lions football team has been a fascinating one. As he edges closer to winning a major title for the Nittany Lions, his success and leadership style have made a lasting impact on both his team and the broader landscape of college football. His work at Penn State, particularly in difficult circumstances, serves as a testament to his ability to inspire and motivate not just his players but the community around him.

However, in the context of college football, Franklin’s achievements also underscore something that has become even more remarkable: the likability of Notre Dame’s football program in recent years. Notre Dame, a program with a long and storied history, has long been seen as a team that is either beloved or despised, often due to their national prominence and old-school traditions. But something has shifted in recent years, particularly as the Irish have grown in stature both on the field and within the hearts of fans and critics alike.

This shift is emblematic of the broader dynamics in college football, where winning titles is, of course, paramount, but the way a program or coach presents themselves has also become crucial. James Franklin, as an outsider who made Penn State relevant again, and the newfound likability of Notre Dame, show us that in today’s world of college football, winning is only part of the equation. Creating a connection with players, fans, and the broader community is what ultimately defines a legacy.

James Franklin’s Transformation of Penn State

When James Franklin took over as head coach of Penn State in 2014, the program was in turmoil. The aftermath of the Jerry Sandusky scandal and the subsequent sanctions had left the Nittany Lions with limited scholarship opportunities and a battered reputation. The task of revitalizing the program seemed almost insurmountable, but Franklin was up for the challenge.

Franklin’s first few years in charge were a rebuilding process, both on and off the field. His ability to recruit at a high level despite the program’s recent scandals was an early sign of his potential. But it was his leadership and motivational style that truly set him apart. Franklin quickly became known for his positive energy, his ability to connect with players, and his commitment to making Penn State not just a football program but a family. His “We Are Penn State” mantra became a symbol of unity and resilience.

In subsequent seasons, Franklin’s Nittany Lions started to show their true potential. Penn State became a perennial contender in the Big Ten, consistently competing at a high level. Under Franklin’s guidance, the Nittany Lions achieved a Big Ten Championship in 2016, and his recruiting classes ranked among the best in the country. The program’s competitive resurgence under Franklin has made Penn State a feared opponent and one that continues to challenge for national titles.

However, what has stood out most about Franklin’s tenure is his ability to balance the competitive intensity needed to win with a sense of personal integrity and community involvement. Franklin has remained approachable and invested in his players’ lives both on and off the field. His coaching philosophy centers on the idea that football is a means to develop young men and prepare them for life after sports. This philosophy, combined with his success on the field, has earned him the admiration of fans and pundits alike.

The Surprising Likability of Notre Dame

Now, on the opposite end of the spectrum, Notre Dame has historically been a program that generated intense emotions among fans. As an independent team with a national following, Notre Dame has always been a polarizing presence in college football. The Irish, with their iconic gold helmets and rich tradition, were either loved or hated by those who followed the sport. Their success, both in the past and present, often came with an aura of elitism, and their fanbase could sometimes seem insular or self-congratulatory.

Yet, over the past few years, something has shifted in the perception of Notre Dame football. The program, under the leadership of head coach Brian Kelly from 2010 to 2021, and later under Marcus Freeman starting in 2022, has earned an unexpected reputation for being more relatable and even likable in ways that were once unimaginable.

The emergence of Marcus Freeman as head coach has been a critical turning point. Freeman, a former Notre Dame player, has brought a fresh energy to the program. His young, passionate leadership style has resonated with players and fans alike. His ability to recruit at a high level, his transparent approach, and his emphasis on accountability have helped Notre Dame regain respectability as a top-tier program. Freeman’s focus on building relationships with players and creating a family atmosphere within the locker room mirrors what James Franklin has done at Penn State, and it has made Notre Dame a program that is seen as approachable and grounded.

Furthermore, Notre Dame’s style of play and their emphasis on integrity and tradition has resonated with fans outside their immediate circle. While the Irish have not always won national championships, their consistency and commitment to excellence have earned them admiration. Programs like Penn State and Notre Dame are models of how a football program can succeed while maintaining a commitment to developing young men, promoting values, and cultivating relationships within the broader college football community.

The Changing Landscape of College Football

The shifting perceptions of Penn State under James Franklin and Notre Dame under Marcus Freeman highlight a broader trend in college football: the importance of character and personal connections in building a winning program. Winning games and championships will always be paramount, but how a coach relates to their players, interacts with the media, and contributes to the broader community is becoming just as crucial in defining success.

James Franklin’s ability to bring Penn State back from the brink of despair to national relevance mirrors the transformation that Notre Dame has undergone in recent years. Both programs have managed to reinvent themselves by fostering a culture of inclusivity, respect, and accountability. They have demonstrated that success in college football is not just about X’s and O’s, but about the people involved and the relationships that are built along the way.

In the end, both programs are on the doorstep of greatness—Penn State, potentially on the cusp of a national title under Franklin, and Notre Dame, with Freeman leading them into a new era of relevance. These two schools, with their rich histories and passionate fanbases, represent what modern college football is becoming: a sport where likability, integrity, and leadership are as important as the wins and losses on the field.

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This piece examines the significance of James Franklin’s role at Penn State and the unexpected likability of Notre Dame, placing them within the broader context of college football’s evolving landscape.