The College Football Playoff (CFP) is often a goal that universities in the Power Five conferences continuously strive toward. For Penn State, that elusive playoff berth has been a subject of growing conversation in recent years. While Penn State has shown considerable promise, the program still falls short of its playoff aspirations. Looking at Michigan’s recent run to the CFP, some have speculated that Penn State might follow a similar trajectory—but there’s a crucial difference between the two: James Franklin, for all of his successes, isn’t quite Jim Harbaugh.
Michigan’s Blueprint: Harbaugh’s Resurgence
Michigan’s journey to the College Football Playoff has been both steady and dramatic. Under Jim Harbaugh, the Wolverines were perennial contenders, but it wasn’t until the 2021 season that they broke through, defeating Ohio State and securing a spot in the playoffs. That moment was the culmination of years of recruiting, refining a powerful system, and building a culture that could withstand the pressures of top-tier college football.
Harbaugh’s success in getting Michigan to the CFP can be credited to a blend of effective recruiting, strong leadership, and a deep understanding of what it takes to win in the Big Ten. He capitalized on Michigan’s resources and reputation, but also knew when to adjust his approach. His leadership was pivotal in Michigan’s triumphs, from the electric offense led by quarterback J.J. McCarthy to a defense that could stop anyone. All of this came together for a program that had struggled to get over the hump for years.
Penn State’s Recent Progress
Penn State, under the direction of James Franklin, has been knocking on the door of the CFP for quite some time. The Nittany Lions have had impressive seasons, most notably in 2016 when they made it to the Big Ten Championship game, and in 2022 when they finished with one of the best records in the nation. Franklin has steadily built a program that can contend with the best teams in the country, earning consistent top-10 finishes and strong recruiting classes year after year.
However, despite the improvements, Penn State has faced challenges that have prevented them from reaching the CFP. A few too many losses to Ohio State, Michigan, and other top-tier programs have kept them on the outside looking in. In contrast to Michigan, Franklin has yet to achieve a signature win over a top-ranked team that would cement his place in the national title conversation.
The Parallels: Can Penn State Follow Michigan’s Path?
While Franklin’s tenure at Penn State is marked by steady improvement, many believe there is still potential for the Nittany Lions to break through in the same way Michigan did. The comparison to Michigan’s rise is natural—both programs play in the Big Ten, have vast resources, and are in prime recruiting territories. Like Harbaugh, Franklin is also known for his recruiting prowess, and Penn State has brought in impressive classes in recent years. The team’s defensive capabilities, led by a strong front seven, resemble Michigan’s defensive resurgence under Harbaugh.
Penn State’s offense has also shown flashes of brilliance, led by quarterback Drew Allar, who is poised to take the reins in the coming years. If Franklin and his staff can continue to develop Allar and bolster their offensive line play, the Nittany Lions could see a rise similar to Michigan’s.
One of the critical factors that could drive Penn State’s potential CFP berth is the program’s ability to finally beat Michigan and Ohio State in big games. A victory over a rival like Michigan or Ohio State could be the spark that propels the team into the CFP conversation—much like Michigan’s win over Ohio State in 2021.
The Key Difference: Franklin vs. Harbaugh
While the comparisons between Michigan’s and Penn State’s programs are understandable, it’s important to acknowledge that James Franklin is not Jim Harbaugh. Franklin has had success at Penn State, but Harbaugh’s Michigan program underwent a profound transformation under his leadership, particularly in its ability to perform in the biggest moments. Franklin has yet to achieve the level of breakthrough in those same types of games.
Franklin’s strength has been his consistent approach to building the program. He’s recruited well, developed players, and established a winning culture. But in terms of strategic innovation and consistency in high-pressure moments—especially against Michigan and Ohio State—Franklin hasn’t quite been able to match Harbaugh’s ability to turn the corner in critical games.
While Harbaugh’s Michigan teams have found ways to beat the Buckeyes and dominate in big-time games, Franklin’s teams have faltered in similar situations. In a sport where every game, especially conference games, can make or break a season, Franklin’s inability to consistently get over the hump against Ohio State and Michigan may be the thing keeping Penn State from entering the CFP race with regularity.
Looking Forward: The 2025 Season and Beyond
The 2025 season will be a defining one for Franklin and Penn State. The program has everything it needs to challenge for a playoff berth—elite talent, a talented quarterback, and an experienced coaching staff. However, the Nittany Lions will have to prove they can win the big games on the national stage.
In the next few seasons, Penn State’s opportunity to follow in Michigan’s footsteps could become more clear. The program has the resources, the talent, and the infrastructure to reach the CFP, but the question remains whether James Franklin can push his team to the next level—much like Jim Harbaugh did for Michigan.
If Franklin can build upon the strong foundation he’s created, overcome key rivalries, and win when it matters most, Penn State may not only mimic Michigan’s playoff run but become a perennial contender for the national title. But to do so, Franklin may need to evolve in ways that Harbaugh did: taking bold risks, adjusting his strategies in crucial moments, and, most importantly, securing that signature victory when it counts the most.
