Chris Fowler Defends James Franklin After Orange Bowl Loss, Hints at Playoff Changes

ESPN/ABC play-by-play voice Chris Fowler defended Penn State head coach James Franklin following a tough 27-24 loss to Notre Dame in the 2025 Orange Bowl at Hard Rock Stadium. The game, held on January 9, drew a crowd of 66,881 and marked the end of Penn State’s season with a 13-3 record.

Fowler, a veteran commentator, praised Franklin’s leadership and resilience despite the narrow defeat. ‘James Franklin has built a program that consistently competes at the highest level,’ Fowler said during the post-game broadcast. ‘This loss doesn’t define the progress Penn State has made.’

The game saw Notre Dame quarterback Riley Leonard shine, completing a 54-yard touchdown pass to Jaden Greathouse in the fourth quarter. Penn State’s Nicholas Singleton also delivered a strong performance, scoring three touchdowns, but it wasn’t enough to secure the win.

Fowler also hinted at potential changes ahead of the 2025 season, when the College Football Playoff expands to 12 teams. ‘The landscape of college football is evolving,’ he noted. ‘With the new playoff format, teams like Penn State will have more opportunities to prove themselves on the national stage.’

The loss sparked discussions about Penn State’s future, particularly its ability to compete in the expanded playoff system. Franklin, who has led the Nittany Lions since 2014, remains optimistic. ‘We’re close,’ Franklin said in a post-game press conference. ‘This program is built for sustained success, and we’ll keep pushing forward.’

Notre Dame’s victory advanced them to the national championship game, while Penn State fans were left reflecting on what could have been. Despite the disappointment, Fowler emphasized the importance of perspective. ‘This is just one chapter in a long story,’ he said. ‘Penn State will be back.’