"Keep an open mind": Terry Smith hints Penn State may ditch Franklin-era ban on transfer portal players finishing the season

Terry Smith was named Penn State's interim head coach after the school fired James Franklin on Oct. 12. Since then, the Nittany Lions have posted a 2-3 record under Smith, with the team currently on a two-game win streak.

On Monday, Smith hinted that Penn State might look to move on from some of the policies that James Franklin implied on the team. Under Franklin, Penn State players who entered the transfer portal would be immediately removed from the roster and not play for the rest of the season. Smith, however, appears to be more flexible with his players.

"We're encouraging our guys to keep an open mind," Smith said. "We don't know what's next, so the most important thing is that we go play hard Saturday, put on film what you want anybody to know about you on Saturday. We'll cross that bridge when it comes.”

Franklin coached the Nittany Lions for eleven-and-a-half seasons. He compiled a 104-45 record during that time and led the team to a Big Ten championship in 2016.

Penn State dismissed Franklin after the team suffered three straight losses and was at a 3-3 record.

Last week, Virginia Tech hired Franklin as its new coach.

Terry Smith's Penn State will face Rutgers in Week 14 of 2025 college football season

NCAA Football: Penn State interim HC Terry Smith - Source: Imagn

Terry Smith's Penn State (5-6, 2-3 Big Ten) will face Rutgers (5-6.2-3 Big Ten) in Week 14 of the 2025 season on Saturday. The game will kick off at 3:30 p.m. ET from SHI Stadium in Piscataway, New Jersey.

Penn State needs to win to qualify for a bowl game. The Scarlet Knights, who lost to top-ranked Ohio State last week, also need a win in their regular-season finale to get bowl eligibility.