Penn State Fans Demand James Franklin’s Exit Amid Shocking Loss to Winless UCLA

PASADENA, California — On Saturday night, what was supposed to be an easy rebound game for No. 7 Penn State became a spectacular nightmare at the Rose Bowl. The Nittany Lions lost 42-37 to winless UCLA, one of the biggest upsets in recent college football history, and sparked a surge of indignation among fans, who are now seeking head coach James Franklin's dismissal.

The Bruins, who entered the game with an 0-4 record, dominated the first half with an energy and precision that has been rare this season. UCLA's offense, headed by quarterback Nico Iamaleava, scored on the first drive before stunning Penn State with a smart onside kick that set up a second field goal. By the end of the first quarter, the Bruins had a 10-0 lead, their first in any game this season. Momentum grew as UCLA raced to a 27-7 halftime lead, leaving Nittany Lions fans astonished and anxious.

Fire Franklin Chants Erupt at the Rose Bowl

As the first half ended, chants of "Fire Franklin" rang around the Rose Bowl, where thousands of Penn State fans had traveled to support their team. Many cited Franklin's clock management and careful play-calling as factors for the halftime collapse. His choice to save his timeouts late in the second quarter allowed UCLA to score a 54-yard field goal before halftime, extending the lead to 20 points.

Fans were frustrated by more than just the scoreboard; they also felt a sense of déjà vu. Under Franklin's direction, Penn State has frequently failed to win critical games despite outstanding regular-season performances. This loss, however, was distinct. Falling to a winless opponent despite being favored by more than 20 points pushed many fans to the breaking point.

Second-Half Rally Falls Short

The Nittany Lions showed signs of life in the second half, scoring 30 points behind quarterback Drew Allar's consistent play. However, the defense, lacking important linebacker Tony Rojas, was unable to control Iamaleava, who scored five touchdowns, three of which were on the ground. UCLA converted 10 of 16 third-down opportunities and maintained possession for nearly 40 minutes, dominating the tempo from beginning to end.

After the final whistle, Franklin walked off the field, apparently upset, as UCLA students swamped it in celebration. His postgame comments reflected remorse but provided little comfort: "We made mistakes today that we don't usually make - turnovers, penalties, missed assignments — things we haven't done in a long time. "That is on me," he said.

Historical Context and Fan Backlash

According to NBC News and USA Today Sports, Penn State's loss to a previously 0-4 squad puts them in an exclusive group: only four top-10 ranked teams have experienced such a defeat since 1936. The previous time this happened was in 1985, when UTEP defeated No. 7 BYU.

Following the loss, social media platforms erupted in wrath. Sports pundit Ben Rasa joked on X (previously Twitter): "James Franklin, realizing that if he loses to UCLA, they can't say he only loses big games anymore." The message quickly went viral, reflecting a broader view that Franklin's term could be coming to an end.