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Eli Drinkwitz Emerges as Top Candidate for Penn State Coach

10/15/2025

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Summary

Story summary

Eli Drinkwitz, Missouri's head coach, is a leading candidate to replace James Franklin at Penn State.
Pat Kraft, Penn State's athletic director, is conducting a broad search, with Matt Rhule, a former Penn State player, also considered a frontrunner.
Drinkwitz has a 55-26 overall record.
Missouri is 5-1 this season under his leadership.
If hired, Drinkwitz could bring quarterback Beau Pribula back to Penn State, boosting the offense.

History

Historical Context

James Franklin became the first African American head coach of the Penn State Nittany Lions in 2014, leading the team to a 7-6 record and a Pinstripe Bowl victory. This followed NCAA sanctions from the child sex abuse scandal, which had previously barred the team from postseason play. As Pat Kraft seeks a successor, Eli Drinkwitz's 55-26 record at Missouri underscores the competitive landscape in college football.

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Story summary

Eli Drinkwitz, Missouri's head coach, is a leading candidate to replace James Franklin at Penn State.
Pat Kraft, Penn State's athletic director, is conducting a broad search, with Matt Rhule, a former Penn State player, also considered a frontrunner.
Drinkwitz has a 55-26 overall record.
Missouri is 5-1 this season under his leadership.
If hired, Drinkwitz could bring quarterback Beau Pribula back to Penn State, boosting the offense.

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