Building a championship-caliber squad often feels like assembling IKEA furniture—you need vision, patience, and just enough confidence to gamble on a missing screw. And, of course, a bit of James Franklin, too. For Penn State head coach James Franklin, that missing piece came in the form of a $7.1 million gamble on offensive coordinator Andy Kotelnicki, a decision that’s propelled quarterback Drew Allar and the Nittany Lions offense into the national spotlight and the B1G championship berth.

Franklin recently joined Adam Breneman on College Football Power Hour by Yahoo! Sports to unpack what’s working for Penn State in his 11th season. Reflecting on Kotelnicki’s impact, Franklin explained, “He had the humility to come in and say, ‘Hey, this isn’t broken, but we can improve.” That mindset transformed an offense struggling for explosiveness last year into one that’s now racked up over 80 points in just the last two games. With Allar at the helm, Kotelnicki didn’t just tweak a few plays—he redefined Penn State’s offensive DNA while maintaining continuity, learning the team’s system rather than overhauling it entirely. With 9-1 overall and the dream of the CFP berth still alive.

Drew Allar, the sophomore QB, has been a revelation. The former five-star recruit has blossomed under Kotelnicki’s guidance, delivering consistent, high-level performances. “Drew is a game-changer,” Franklin said, emphasizing the importance of building confidence and creativity in young talent.

In their 49-10 thrashing of Purdue, The Nittany Lions #15 delivered a standout performance, throwing for 247 yards and three touchdowns. Surrounding Allar with top-tier running backs Nick Singleton and Kaytron Allen, plus a deep tight end room led by Tyler Warren, Kotelnicki had the tools—but it’s his ability to assemble them seamlessly that’s been the real MVP.

Franklin also pointed out the rarity of Penn State’s approach in modern college football. “We’ve prioritized player development over constantly hitting the transfer portal,” he noted, spotlighting veterans like Jaylen Reed and Tyler Warren, who’ve grown within the program. The strategy bucks the current trend of chasing quick fixes via transfers, emphasizing sowing homegrown seeds.

James Franklin has high praise for his ‘Morning Guy’

Drew Allar is setting the standard for dedication at Penn State, kicking off his week with a 6:30 a.m. film session at the Lasch Building. “He’s a morning guy,” head coach James Franklin noted, emphasizing Allar’s early-bird work ethic. The sophomore quarterback has impressed Franklin this season, especially under the guidance of first-year offensive coordinator Andy Kotelnicki and quarterbacks coach Danny O’Brien.

“Drew looks consistently comfortable and in control,” Franklin said, highlighting the QB’s growth. But it’s Allar’s improved mobility that has been a game-changer. “His vertical scrambles in the pocket have been huge,” Franklin added, crediting them as a critical boost for Penn State’s offense.

Allar’s development mirrors the Lions’ push to maintain their competitive edge, with his dedication providing a spark of optimism for the team’s future. If this is the new normal in Happy Valley, fans won’t need a second invitation to jump on board.