Hawkeye fans are breathing a sigh of relief after Penn State fired James Franklin

Franklin was fired by PSU on Sunday after a shocking loss to Northwestern
Oct 11, 2025; University Park, Pennsylvania, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions head coach James Franklin walks off the field following the game against the Northwestern Wildcats at Beaver Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew O'Haren-Imagn Images
Oct 11, 2025; University Park, Pennsylvania, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions head coach James Franklin walks off the field following the game against the Northwestern Wildcats at Beaver Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew O'Haren-Imagn Images | Matthew O'Haren-Imagn Images

It is safe to say no one thought James Franklin would not survive the weekend.

Penn State parted ways with the long-time head coach after another disappointing loss to an unranked team.

The Nittany Lions have been in a free fall since their tough 30-24 loss to Oregon in double overtime during their whiteout game on September 27.

After losing to Oregon, Penn State has now lost 15 straight games to ranked teams, with the nail in the coffin being two consecutive losses to 0-4 UCLA and 3-2 Northwestern.

Franklin reportedly had a $50 million buyout, but that was not enough to deter Penn State from firing Franklin less than 24 hours after the loss to Northwestern.

Iowa Football directly benefits from the firing because Penn State is headed to Iowa City next weekend for a night matchup at Kinnick.

Not only does it benefit Iowa immediately, but there are multiple long-term effects as well.

How Franklin's firing helps the Hawkeyes

Franklin has been a thorn in the side of the Hawkeyes Football program since taking over in 2014.

Franklin's overall record with Penn State is a sterling 104-45, including a 4-1 record against the Hawkeyes, with most of the games not being close.

During their last matchup against the Hawkeyes in State College, PA, the Nittany Lions crushed the Hawkeyes 31-0, and most of their wins against the program have had similar results.

Outside of the head-to-head matchup, Penn State's implosion gives the Hawkeyes a chance to finish at the top of the conference and potentially make the college football playoff.

Franklin helped rebuild a program that was in shambles after Joe Paterno was fired, but it is safe to say Hawkeye fans will not be sad to see him go.

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