James Franklin Next Team Odds: Former Penn State Head Coach in Race for Virginia Tech, Arkansas Jobs
The Penn State Nittany Lions elected to move on from James Franklin after a tumultuous 2025 season that had massive expectations shattered in a matter of weeks. Franklin will now be a heavily sought after coach in the free market to take over a struggling program. Which team will scoop up the embattled head coach who brought years of success to Penn State? Peter Alexis breaks down the James Franklin next team odds ahead of his Saturday appearance on College Gameday.
Peter Alexis - October 17, 2025, 7:00 PM EDT
5 Minute ReadJames Franklin Next Team Odds: Where will Fired Penn State Coach End Up in CFB Carousel?
James Franklin’s tenure at Penn State came to an abrupt end this week after three straight losses sent the Nittany Lions spiraling out of playoff contention. Once ranked No. 3 in the country, Franklin’s squad suffered back-to-back upsets at UCLA and at home against Northwestern, the latter proving to be the final straw. His 4-21 record against top-10 opponents ultimately defined his time in Happy Valley, as the team could never quite win the biggest matchups despite consistently strong recruiting classes. Now, with Penn State turning the page, attention shifts to Franklin’s next move.
While Matt Rhule is favored to take over for Franklin in State College, there’s just as much interest in where Franklin will land next. The 53-year-old has a track record of winning at multiple stops and is unlikely to stay on the market long. With several Power Four jobs open and others on the brink of turnover, Franklin could fit well at a number of programs looking for a rebuild or fresh energy. The early odds have Virginia Tech leading at +200, followed by Arkansas (+300), Vanderbilt (+400), Nebraska (+500), and UCLA (+700).
Franklin’s background in the SEC and ability to recruit nationally make him a strong candidate across the board. Here’s a look at his top potential landing spots as coaching carousels begin to spin once again. Note that Franklin will also be giving his first exclusive interview to ESPN's College Gameday on Saturday morning, which could influence the odds depending on the answers he reveals about his future desires.
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James Franklin Next Team Odds
Team | Odds | Implied Probability |
|---|---|---|
Virginia Tech | +200 | 33.3% |
Arkansas | +300 | 25% |
Vanderbilt | +400 | 20% |
Nebraska | +500 | 16.7% |
UCLA | +700 | 12.5% |
Florida | +900 | 10% |
Auburn | +1000 | 9.1% |
Oklahoma State | +1600 | 5.9% |
Florida State | +1800 | 5.3% |
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James Franklin Next Team Odds Breakdown
Virginia Tech +200 Click here to see which sportsbook has the best odds
The Hokies fired Brent Pry after a disastrous start to the season that included blowout losses to Louisville and Syracuse. Virginia Tech’s offense had completely stagnated, and the once-proud program has fallen deep into mediocrity since the Justin Fuente era ended. Franklin’s reputation as a strong recruiter and program-builder could be just what the Hokies need to return to prominence in the ACC. With the expanded playoff format, a quick turnaround could make Tech relevant again, and Franklin’s East Coast ties make this a natural fit. But based on recent history, this would be a major step down for Franklin, as he could probably land one of the open SEC jobs.
Arkansas +300 Click here to see which sportsbook has the best odds
Sam Pittman’s firing came after Arkansas was routed by Notre Dame, marking yet another lost season in the SEC West. The Razorbacks have talent but lack direction, and Franklin could bring discipline and recruiting energy to a fanbase desperate for stability. Arkansas boosters have proven willing to spend big, and pairing Franklin with the school’s NIL resources could make this one of the more underrated potential fits. His ability to build an offense around dual-threat quarterbacks would mesh well with Arkansas’ current personnel. This opening would probably make the most sense overall for James Franklin, we'll see if the two sides are interested.
Vanderbilt +400 Click here to see which sportsbook has the best odds
Franklin made his name at Vanderbilt, going 24-15 and achieving back-to-back bowl seasons before leaving for Penn State. Returning to his old SEC home would be a nostalgic move, though perhaps a step down competitively. Still, the school would welcome him back with open arms after years of struggle since his departure. If Franklin prefers a lower-profile reset and the opportunity to rebuild a program he once elevated, Vanderbilt could offer a comfortable landing spot with familiar faces and tempered expectations. That would depend on Clark Lea taking another job in the offseason based on his revamped success at Vandy.
Nebraska +500 Click here to see which sportsbook has the best odds
Nebraska doesn’t currently have an opening, but that could change quickly if Matt Rhule heads back to Penn State. In that scenario, a direct swap would make sense. Franklin could take over a solid foundation in Lincoln where Rhule has built a tough, defense-first identity. The Cornhuskers are trending up, and Franklin’s offensive experience could help balance the program. It would also allow him to stay in the Big Ten, a conference he knows well, while taking on a new challenge with slightly less pressure than what he faced at Penn State.
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