Saban’s 1st season at Bama and Swinney’s 1st 2 full seasons at Clemson

[BCS PSU]

The most successful head coaches of the mid 2010s to early 2020s were Saban and Swinney. In Saban’s first season at Bama in 2007, he went 7-6 and 2-6 in the SEC, but then began a dynasty in 2008. In Swinney’s first two full seasons at Clemson, he went 9-5 and 6-7. And they took over programs in a different and more stable era when the portal and NIL didn’t exist. My point with citing these facts is that you have to give Campbell some time to build this program, which was in a pretty bad state when he took over and probably in worse shape than what O’Brien inherited in 2012.

This season never was going to be a special one; I predicted 8-4 or 9-3 if a lot of things went right, and that now seems to be a pipe dream. If he shows no progress after his third season, then he should be considered for replacement. Look at Michigan; they went through Rodriguez and Hoke in something like seven seasons until they hired Harbaugh, who also was nearing the end until he found the formula in 2021.

 

[KingLando]

Well said

 

[Psumatt85]

The most successful head coaches of the mid 2010s to early 2020s were Saban and Swinney. In Saban’s first season at Bama in 2007, he went 7-6 and 2-6 in the SEC, but then began a dynasty in 2008. In Swinney’s first two full seasons at Clemson, he went 9-5 and 6-7. And they took over programs in a different and more stable era when the portal and NIL didn’t exist. My point with citing these facts is that you have to give Campbell some time to build this program, which was in a pretty bad state when he took over and probably in worse shape than what O’Brien inherited in 2012.

This season never was going to be a special one; I predicted 8-4 or 9-3 if a lot of things went right, and that now seems to be a pipe dream. If he shows no progress after his third season, then he should be considered for replacement. Look at Michigan; they went through Rodriguez and Hoke in something like seven seasons until they hired Harbaugh, who also was nearing the end until he found the formula in 2021.

Psu will make the playoffs in 2033!

 

[Ludd]

The most successful head coaches of the mid 2010s to early 2020s were Saban and Swinney. In Saban’s first season at Bama in 2007, he went 7-6 and 2-6 in the SEC, but then began a dynasty in 2008. In Swinney’s first two full seasons at Clemson, he went 9-5 and 6-7. And they took over programs in a different and more stable era when the portal and NIL didn’t exist. My point with citing these facts is that you have to give Campbell some time to build this program, which was in a pretty bad state when he took over and probably in worse shape than what O’Brien inherited in 2012.

This season never was going to be a special one; I predicted 8-4 or 9-3 if a lot of things went right, and that now seems to be a pipe dream. If he shows no progress after his third season, then he should be considered for replacement. Look at Michigan; they went through Rodriguez and Hoke in something like seven seasons until they hired Harbaugh, who also was nearing the end until he found the formula in 2021.

Apples and oranges, ask UCLA and Kentucky.

 

[KingLando]

Apples and oranges, ask UCLA and Kentucky.

Kentucky very easily could finish with the same record as us this year
UCLA's best win is...Cal? They do have a pretty manageable schedule this year--if they win (or are competitive) next week I'm on board.

 

[Ludd]

Kentucky very easily could finish with the same record as us this year
UCLA's best win is...Cal? They do have a pretty manageable schedule this year--if they win (or are competitive) next week I'm on board.

Kentucky already did what we won’t be able to do and that’s beat a ranked team.

 

[KingLando]

Kentucky already did what we won’t be able to do and that’s beat a ranked team.

Let's lose to USC before you make that statement but isn't the ultimate goal not one game--upsets happen
And just as an FYI that team is no longer ranked so maybe it's not impressive

 

[Catch1lion]

The most successful head coaches of the mid 2010s to early 2020s were Saban and Swinney. In Saban’s first season at Bama in 2007, he went 7-6 and 2-6 in the SEC, but then began a dynasty in 2008. In Swinney’s first two full seasons at Clemson, he went 9-5 and 6-7. And they took over programs in a different and more stable era when the portal and NIL didn’t exist. My point with citing these facts is that you have to give Campbell some time to build this program, which was in a pretty bad state when he took over and probably in worse shape than what O’Brien inherited in 2012.

This season never was going to be a special one; I predicted 8-4 or 9-3 if a lot of things went right, and that now seems to be a pipe dream. If he shows no progress after his third season, then he should be considered for replacement. Look at Michigan; they went through Rodriguez and Hoke in something like seven seasons until they hired Harbaugh, who also was nearing the end until he found the formula in 2021.

Connor was the formula .

 

[JoePaMajorCFBrecord409Ws]

The most successful head coaches of the mid 2010s to early 2020s were Saban and Swinney. In Saban’s first season at Bama in 2007, he went 7-6 and 2-6 in the SEC, but then began a dynasty in 2008. In Swinney’s first two full seasons at Clemson, he went 9-5 and 6-7. And they took over programs in a different and more stable era when the portal and NIL didn’t exist. My point with citing these facts is that you have to give Campbell some time to build this program, which was in a pretty bad state when he took over and probably in worse shape than what O’Brien inherited in 2012.

This season never was going to be a special one; I predicted 8-4 or 9-3 if a lot of things went right, and that now seems to be a pipe dream. If he shows no progress after his third season, then he should be considered for replacement. Look at Michigan; they went through Rodriguez and Hoke in something like seven seasons until they hired Harbaugh, who also was nearing the end until he found the formula in 2021.

So why precisely is PSU paying top dollar for this roster of Free Agents (estimated to be between $26 - $30 million by The Ahletic)? This post is laughable nonsense that you slowly rebuild in this era of Absolute & Unrestricted Free Agency. Could you tell me how Bob Chesney has UCLA at 5-0 coming over from JMU????

 

[KingLando]

So why precisely is PSU paying top dollar for this roster of Free Agents (estimated to be between $26 - $30 million by The Ahletic)? This post is laughable nonsense that you slowly rebuild in this era of Absolute & Unrestricted Free Agency. Could you tell me how Bob Chesney has UCLA at 5-0 coming over from JMU????

We aren't--key word "estimated"--they have no idea
We spent almost twice the estimate last year but you're not ready for that conversation

 

[Marshall2323]

The most successful head coaches of the mid 2010s to early 2020s were Saban and Swinney. In Saban’s first season at Bama in 2007, he went 7-6 and 2-6 in the SEC, but then began a dynasty in 2008. In Swinney’s first two full seasons at Clemson, he went 9-5 and 6-7. And they took over programs in a different and more stable era when the portal and NIL didn’t exist. My point with citing these facts is that you have to give Campbell some time to build this program, which was in a pretty bad state when he took over and probably in worse shape than what O’Brien inherited in 2012.

This season never was going to be a special one; I predicted 8-4 or 9-3 if a lot of things went right, and that now seems to be a pipe dream. If he shows no progress after his third season, then he should be considered for replacement. Look at Michigan; they went through Rodriguez and Hoke in something like seven seasons until they hired Harbaugh, who also was nearing the end until he found the formula in 2021.

Those programs were built pre portal and NIL. They are obsolete. PSU is 21 in NIL. Likely sinking below that. Any good players on the roster have options and their agents are gauging their value as we speak.
You don't rebuild, you reload.

 

[JoePaMajorCFBrecord409Ws]

We aren't--key word "estimated"--they have no idea
We spent almost twice the estimate last year but you're not ready for that conversation

We are estimated dipstick - here's the details:

Penn State's football roster budget is estimated to be between $29 million and $32 million. This pool combines direct school revenue sharing (allowed under the House v. NCAA settlement) and third-party Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) donor collectives like Happy Valley United.

Where the Money Comes From
Revenue Sharing Base:

Out of the NCAA-capped $20.5 million that universities can share directly with athletes, Penn State allocates roughly $13.3 million to $16 million exclusively to the football roster.

• Collective and External NIL Support: To reach the $30 million threshold, third-party collectives, corporate sponsors, and donors contribute an additional $13 million to $16 million.

Top Player Valuations
While specific individual payrolls aren't public record, market data from The NIL Standard shows the highest-valued players on Penn State's active roster:

Rocco Becht (QB): $2,000,000
Ikenna Ezeogu (EDGE): $1,210,729
Anthony Donkoh (OT): $1,200,000
Chase Sowell (WR): $953,830
Yvan Kemajou (EDGE): $945,000 [1]

Your such a twit - were paying this team MORE than any Franklin team was paid, so just stfu with your made-up nonsense douchebag.

 

[KingLando]

We are estimated dipstick - here's the details:

Penn State's football roster budget is estimated to be between $29 million and $32 million. This pool combines direct school revenue sharing (allowed under the House v. NCAA settlement) and third-party Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) donor collectives like Happy Valley United.

Where the Money Comes From
Revenue Sharing Base:

Out of the NCAA-capped $20.5 million that universities can share directly with athletes, Penn State allocates roughly $13.3 million to $16 million exclusively to the football roster.

• Collective and External NIL Support: To reach the $30 million threshold, third-party collectives, corporate sponsors, and donors contribute an additional $13 million to $16 million.

Top Player Valuations
While specific individual payrolls aren't public record, market data from The NIL Standard shows the highest-valued players on Penn State's active roster:

Rocco Becht (QB): $2,000,000
Ikenna Ezeogu (EDGE): $1,210,729
Anthony Donkoh (OT): $1,200,000
Chase Sowell (WR): $953,830
Yvan Kemajou (EDGE): $945,000 [1]

Your such a twit - were paying this team MORE than any Franklin team was paid, so just stfu with your made-up nonsense douchebag.

Notice--none of that is fact as I keep telling you
"aren't public record"
"roughly"
"budget is estimated"
Also--FYI--you don't spend your budget all the time
Thank you for sharing what I've said

 

[UncleRoyBiggins]

So you're saying we have a chance?

 

[Chumboshifko1]

So why precisely is PSU paying top dollar for this roster of Free Agents (estimated to be between $26 - $30 million by The Ahletic)? This post is laughable nonsense that you slowly rebuild in this era of Absolute & Unrestricted Free Agency. Could you tell me how Bob Chesney has UCLA at 5-0 coming over from JMU????

LMAO!!!

 

[Marshall2323]

Nebraska football coach Matt Rhule addresses Penn State job opening

Matt Rhule details James Franklin's contributions to PSU and decries the actions of vicious fans.

 

[Psumatt85]

We aren't--key word "estimated"--they have no idea
We spent almost twice the estimate last year but you're not ready for that conversation

So your saying PSU is spending $50-$60m for this mess?

 

[KingLando]

So your saying PSU is spending $50-$60m for this mess?

"Last year" not this year

 

[Psumatt85]

"Last year" not this year

So , since you have so much info, what is PSU paying?

 

[KingLando]

So , since you have so much info, what is PSU paying?

Significantly less than the "estimated" amount
People want to believe all these Iowa State kids got paid handsomely to come here--they didn't. They followed their coach period.

 

[Psumatt85]

Significantly less than the "estimated" amount
People want to believe all these Iowa State kids got paid handsomely to come here--they didn't. They followed their coach period.

Sounds like you don’t know either

 

[Chumboshifko1]

Now that just about everyone is cheating, it matters not what pre NIL coaches cheated at

 

[KingLando]

Sounds like you don’t know either

No one knows the exactly number outside of a handful of people in the program but it's significantly less per those with better sources than "The Athletic"

 

[barry j fenchak]

Someone forgot to inform Bama that they are an obsolete program.

 

[Psumatt85]

No one knows the exactly number outside of a handful of people in the program but it's significantly less per those with better sources than "The Athletic"

Sounds like you don’t know either

 

[Nitt1300]

Different era- neither Saban nor Swinney brought with them a big dropoff in talent, neither had to deal with a big NIL deficit vs bigger programs in their own conference.

 

[Midnighter]

The most successful head coaches of the mid 2010s to early 2020s were Saban and Swinney. In Saban’s first season at Bama in 2007, he went 7-6 and 2-6 in the SEC, but then began a dynasty in 2008. In Swinney’s first two full seasons at Clemson, he went 9-5 and 6-7. And they took over programs in a different and more stable era when the portal and NIL didn’t exist. My point with citing these facts is that you have to give Campbell some time to build this program, which was in a pretty bad state when he took over and probably in worse shape than what O’Brien inherited in 2012.

This season never was going to be a special one; I predicted 8-4 or 9-3 if a lot of things went right, and that now seems to be a pipe dream. If he shows no progress after his third season, then he should be considered for replacement. Look at Michigan; they went through Rodriguez and Hoke in something like seven seasons until they hired Harbaugh, who also was nearing the end until he found the formula in 2021.

NIL has destroyed the promise of such a model. See Cignetti. Won a NC in year two.

 

[JoePaMajorCFBrecord409Ws]

Sounds like you don’t know either

He's a laughable tool - multiple outlets have reported these numbers. Claiming PSU spent $50-$60 million last year is an example of his made-up bs. PSU spent nowhere close to this amount last year and everyone knows one of the biggest beefs Franklin had with Kraft was an NIL budget that was low compared to the top spenders in FBS at the same time Kraft was spending large sums on his pet project stadium expansion.

PSU is paying these Free Agents market rate - why anyone believes otherwise is rather comical. They're paying Becht $2 million and they didn't need to bring him in at all and could have played Gronk. But according to the lacky morons on the board, PSU had no choice but to spend $30 million for a roster downgrade relative to what was here prior for less money.

 

[Psumatt85]

He's a laughable tool - multiple outlets have reported these numbers. Claiming PSU spent $50-$60 million last year is an example of his made-up bs. PSU spent nowhere close to this amount last year and everyone knows one of the biggest beefs Franklin had with Kraft was an NIL budget that was low compared to the top spenders in FBS at the same time Kraft was spending large sums on his pet project stadium expansion.

PSU is paying these Free Agents market rate - why anyone believes otherwise is rather comical. They're paying Becht $2 million and they didn't need to bring him in at all and could have played Gronk. But according to the lacky morons on the board, PSU had no choice but to spend $30 million for a roster downgrade relative to what was here prior for less money.

Although I don’t buy it, if I was getting underpaid I might not be trying too hard!!!

 

[Efejle]

Wow. You can't allowcate a bigger waste of money than the players we gave it to this year . I'm not blaming anyone on that actually...its just that, literally the five worst players on the field are being paid the most

 

[Marshall2323]

Kentucky already did what we won’t be able to do and that’s beat a ranked team.

Everyone is concerned with the wrong goal. We may not be winning but Coach is sharing his office, built a culture and next season we enjoy luxury boxes.

 

[Ludd]

Let's lose to USC before you make that statement but isn't the ultimate goal not one game--upsets happen
And just as an FYI that team is no longer ranked so maybe it's not impressive

With this kind of season, one win over a ranked team will somewhat salvage it.

 

[fairgambit]

The most successful head coaches of the mid 2010s to early 2020s were Saban and Swinney. In Saban’s first season at Bama in 2007, he went 7-6 and 2-6 in the SEC, but then began a dynasty in 2008. In Swinney’s first two full seasons at Clemson, he went 9-5 and 6-7. And they took over programs in a different and more stable era when the portal and NIL didn’t exist. My point with citing these facts is that you have to give Campbell some time to build this program, which was in a pretty bad state when he took over and probably in worse shape than what O’Brien inherited in 2012.

This season never was going to be a special one; I predicted 8-4 or 9-3 if a lot of things went right, and that now seems to be a pipe dream. If he shows no progress after his third season, then he should be considered for replacement. Look at Michigan; they went through Rodriguez and Hoke in something like seven seasons until they hired Harbaugh, who also was nearing the end until he found the formula in 2021.

I no longer attend games but friends that do are paying a premium for what appears to be an average product. How about this? Penn State's standard should be 10 wins a year. For every win less than 10 next year's season tickets are discounted 10%. Win 9 games, get a 10% discount. Win only 7 and the discount is 30%. Win more and the cost goes up by 10% per win over 10.

 

[Nits1989]

Apples and oranges, ask UCLA and Kentucky.

I hear what you’re saying, but UCLA and Kentucky have a lot of games left to play.

 

[Nits1989]

We aren't--key word "estimated"--they have no idea
We spent almost twice the estimate last year but you're not ready for that conversation

What did PSU spend in 2025?

 

[Psumatt85]

I no longer attend games but friends that do are paying a premium for what appears to be an average product. How about this? Penn State's standard should be 10 wins a year. For every win less than 10 next year's season tickets are discounted 10%. Win 9 games, get a 10% discount. Win only 7 and the discount is 30%. Win more and the cost goes up by 10% per win over 10.

I think your more likely to get an increase if they win 11, and an increase if they win 6

 

[Ludd]

I hear what you’re saying, but UCLA and Kentucky have a lot of games left to play.

True, but they look better. And Kentucky’s coach didn’t bring half a team with him. They also don’t have much in the way of NIL for football, yet they can put a better product on the field.

 

[Midnighter]

The most successful head coaches of the mid 2010s to early 2020s were Saban and Swinney. In Saban’s first season at Bama in 2007, he went 7-6 and 2-6 in the SEC, but then began a dynasty in 2008. In Swinney’s first two full seasons at Clemson, he went 9-5 and 6-7. And they took over programs in a different and more stable era when the portal and NIL didn’t exist. My point with citing these facts is that you have to give Campbell some time to build this program, which was in a pretty bad state when he took over and probably in worse shape than what O’Brien inherited in 2012.

This season never was going to be a special one; I predicted 8-4 or 9-3 if a lot of things went right, and that now seems to be a pipe dream. If he shows no progress after his third season, then he should be considered for replacement. Look at Michigan; they went through Rodriguez and Hoke in something like seven seasons until they hired Harbaugh, who also was nearing the end until he found the formula in 2021.

I think Campbell can get there but I really underestimated how average the ISU guys were and how big some of the holes we have on both sides are. Also bought the hype of the beat writers and talking heads about how good they were and would be with a favorable schedule. We had more talent on paper than either NW or Wisconsin but didn’t execute. Thing I’ve heard is he’s not used to pursuing elite players - that’s gonna have to change. Otherwise, genius Kraft signed him to an eight year contract, so we will have to just buckle up.

 

[KingLando]

He's a laughable tool - multiple outlets have reported these numbers. Claiming PSU spent $50-$60 million last year is an example of his made-up bs. PSU spent nowhere close to this amount last year and everyone knows one of the biggest beefs Franklin had with Kraft was an NIL budget that was low compared to the top spenders in FBS at the same time Kraft was spending large sums on his pet project stadium expansion.

PSU is paying these Free Agents market rate - why anyone believes otherwise is rather comical. They're paying Becht $2 million and they didn't need to bring him in at all and could have played Gronk. But according to the lacky morons on the board, PSU had no choice but to spend $30 million for a roster downgrade relative to what was here prior for less money.

Grunk was never staying--it's insane anyone believes otherwise

 

[KingLando]

With this kind of season, one win over a ranked team will somewhat salvage it.

Even if that team doesn't finish the year ranked
Kentucky had a nice win over A&M but how good is A&M
If we beat USC will the narrative here be USC isn't very good?