Penn State Loses Lead to Iowa Following James Franklin’s Departure

Penn State football faces a challenging transition after the recent dismissal of head coach James Franklin. In a dramatic first game under interim coach Terry Smith, the Nittany Lions suffered a narrow defeat against Iowa, losing 25-24.

Penn State’s Tough Game Against Iowa

Held on October 18, 2025, at Kinnick Stadium, the matchup marked Penn State’s fourth consecutive loss, pushing their record to 3-4 for the season. This defeat was particularly painful for the team, as they have now dropped all four of their Big Ten games.

Turning Point in the Match

With just under five minutes remaining, Penn State led 24-19. However, Iowa’s quarterback Mark Gronkowski executed a crucial 67-yard run, setting up Kaden Wetjen for a game-winning rushing touchdown at 3:54 left on the clock. Iowa’s attempt at a two-point conversion failed, but the Nittany Lions couldn’t capitalize on the opportunity to reclaim the lead.

Performance Highlights

• Mark Gronkowski achieved a personal milestone with 130 rushing yards and two touchdowns.
• Penn State’s second-string quarterback, Ethan Grunkmeyer, struggled under pressure, resulting in a critical fourth-down incompletion.

Despite the loss, interim head coach Terry Smith praised his team’s effort. “We gave everything we had,” Smith stated after the game. “We just have to execute.” His comments reflect the determination of a team in a difficult transition.

Penn State’s Record and Future Challenges

The defeat ties Penn State for the longest consecutive losses in Associated Press poll history for a team ranked in the top two at the season’s start, as reported by ESPN. This is a stark contrast to their previous season, where they competed in the College Football Playoff.

Smith inherits a team struggling without their starting quarterback, Drew Allar, who sustained a season-ending injury earlier this year. Following a bye week, the Nittany Lions will face a formidable challenge as they travel to the Horseshoe to play against the No. 1-ranked Ohio State on November 1.

As Penn State enters this crucial phase, the focus will be on improving their execution and finding ways to close out games. The path ahead is tough, but the interim coach remains hopeful about the potential of his squad.