By Jordan SiglerShareNewsweek is a Trust Project memberPenn State is in crash-landing mode on Wednesday after a dismal early signing day.
More News: Virginia Tech’s James Franklin Trying to Take Penn State Coaches: Report
Per 247 Sports, PSU is ranked 144th for its 2026 recruiting class. That stands in stark contrast to Virginia Tech, where former Nittany Lions head coach James Franklin has assembled the 23rd-best recruiting class.
On Tuesday, BYU head coach Kalani Sitake agreed to sign a contract extension with the No. 11 Cougars before their Big 12 championship contest against No. 4 Texas Tech on Saturday. Penn State was in talks with Sitake earlier this week to become Franklin's replacement.
...Per Pat Forde of Sports Illustrated, Louisville head coach Jeff Brohm became the latest person of interest to reject the Nittany Lions.
"Sources: Jeff Brohm has turned down overtures from Penn State to remain at Louisville," Forde posted on X. "He and the Louisville administration continue to work on new contract terms that should be finalized in the near future."
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Per Pete Nakos of On3, PSU donors are sending a message that they want the program to give interim head coach Terry Smith the permanent gig.
Via On3:
"Top-level Penn State donors are pushing for athletic director Pat Kraft to promote interim head coach Terry Smith, @PeteNakos reports."
Nakos noted the push came after Smith was able to land four-star quarterback Peyton Falzone.
Still, other potential coaches are in play for Penn State. Former New York Giants head coach Brian Daboll continues to be connected to the program.
Penn State players have advocated for Smith to become the permanent head coach for several weeks. He went 3-3 in 2025, leading PSU to three consecutive wins at the end of the regular season to ensure bowl eligibility.
Amid Smith's uncertainty with Penn State, Franklin appears to be trying to convince staff in State College to join him for 2026.
For more on the NCAA, head to Newsweek Sports.
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