Where did james franklin go to college

As of 2 October 2026, James Franklin remains a prominent figure in college football, currently serving as the head coach at Penn State University. His academic and athletic foundation was established at East Stroudsburg University of Pennsylvania, where he attended college and played as a quarterback for the Warriors from 1991 to 1994. Franklin graduated from the institution in 1995 with a degree in psychology. His time at East Stroudsburg was formative, as he set several school records and earned All-PSAC honors, which eventually paved the way for his transition into coaching. While his professional career has taken him to major programs like Vanderbilt and Penn State, his collegiate experience at East Stroudsburg is frequently cited in profiles detailing his rise through the coaching ranks. Franklin often credits his undergraduate years and his early coaching stints at the Division II level for shaping his leadership philosophy and his deep understanding of the student-athlete experience, which continues to influence his current tenure in the Big Ten Conference.