Oregon and Penn State will meet in the Big Ten championship in just a few hours. James Franklin will also profit handsomely if the Nittany Lions defeat the nation’s top squad.
In 2021, Franklin agreed to a new 10-year contract that guaranteed him $8.5 million annually, making him one of the highest-paid college football coaches. Franklin also received a Big Ten title as one of three performance-based bonus incentives in that new contract.
According to contract information made public by Penn State in November 2021, Franklin will receive $350,000 in bonus incentives if Penn State wins the Big Ten championship.
Note: Last week, Penn State revealed that Franklin’s bonus package had been updated to take into account the 12-team College Football Playoff. The university did not provide any information.
Franklin already has a six-figure incentive guaranteed, win or lose. According to his contract, Franklin receives $250,000 for participating in a Big Ten title.
For that, Franklin may thank Michigan. Last weekend, the Wolverines stunned Ohio State and eliminated the Buckeyes from the Big Ten championship game. In order to get to Indianapolis, the Nittany Lions had to defeat Maryland, which they did with ease.
Naturally, Franklin has more at stake on Saturday night than an additional paycheck. In his eleventh year at Penn State, the coach has a 1–13 record versus teams rated in the top five. Since 1990 (at Notre Dame), Penn State as a program has failed to defeat a top-ranked team. On a local and national level, defeating Oregon would help change the perception of Franklin and Penn State.
It would also be important for Penn State’s College Football Playoff standings to defeat the Ducks. With a victory, Franklin and the Nittany Lions will receive a first-round bye into the CFP quarterfinals and might perhaps be seeded first overall.
Regardless of the outcome of the Big Ten championship (8 p.m., CBS), Penn State will qualify for the CFP. Franklin will also receive compensation if the Nittany Lions qualify for the 12-team field. We are unsure of the precise amount in his revised deal, though.
The following CFP-related incentives were given to Franklin as part of the 2021 contract iteration:
Reaching the CFP for four teams: $400,000.
Runner-up in the CFP national championship: $500,000.
Winner of the CFP national championship: $800,000.
Stories by
Johnny McGonigal
Note: Every piece of content is rigorously reviewed by our team of experienced writers and editors to ensure its accuracy. Our writers use credible sources and adhere to strict fact-checking protocols to verify all claims and data before publication. If an error is identified, we promptly correct it and strive for transparency in all updates, feel free to reach out to us via email. We appreciate your trust and support!