James Franklin is on the market, kicked to the curb by Penn State. He's a proven program builder, and, within the SEC, there are programs that need rebuilt. He's shown he can win in the SEC, too, having succeeded at Vanderbilt.

True, he's got a history of flopping in big games, but he's a steady performer. Would any SEC programs be up for such steadiness?

On today's episode, hosts Blake Toppmeyer and John Adams consider a few SEC jobs where Franklin might be an upgrade on current or past coaches. Adams says he likes Franklin for Arkansas' opening, plus two other SEC jobs that aren't yet open but might come open soon. Toppmeyer isn't quite as sold on the idea of Franklin reviving his career in the SEC. How do you sell the hire of a guy who just lost to UCLA and Northwestern?

Also in this episode, the hosts update their 12-team playoff projection, choosing five SEC teams for the field. Finally, Week 8 picks against the spread!

<a href="https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/ncaaf/2025/10/13/penn-state-james-franklin-buyout-contract-coaching-search/86666914007/" aria-label="Link James Franklin">James Franklin</a> is on the market, <a href="https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/ncaaf/2025/10/12/james-franklin-fired-penn-state-wisconsin-football-luke-fickell-hot-seat-coach/86541737007/" aria-label="Link kicked to the curb by Penn State">kicked to the curb by Penn State</a>. He's a proven program builder, and, within the SEC, there are programs that need rebuilt. He's shown he can win in the SEC, too, having succeeded at Vanderbilt.
True, he's got a history of flopping in big games, but he's a steady performer. <a href="https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/ncaaf/2025/10/13/whats-next-for-james-franklin-does-he-fit-open-coaching-jobs-vacancies/86674133007/" aria-label="Link Would any SEC programs">Would any SEC programs</a> be up for such steadiness?
On today's episode, hosts <a href="https://www.usatoday.com/staff/2648210001/blake-toppmeyer/" aria-label="Link Blake Toppmeyer">Blake Toppmeyer</a> and <a href="https://www.knoxnews.com/staff/2647548001/john-adams/" aria-label="Link John Adams">John Adams</a> consider a few SEC jobs where Franklin might be an upgrade on current or past coaches. Adams says he likes Franklin for Arkansas' opening, plus two other SEC jobs that aren't yet open but might come open soon. Toppmeyer isn't quite as sold on the idea of Franklin reviving his career in the SEC. How do you sell the hire of a guy who just lost to UCLA and Northwestern?
Also in this episode, the hosts update their 12-team playoff projection, choosing five SEC teams for the field. Finally, Week 8 picks against the spread!

SEC Football Unfiltered features hosts Blake Toppmeyer and John Adams of the USA TODAY Network serving opinion, debate and analysis on trending college football topics within the Southeastern Conference. No subject is off limits, and no one is above rebuke. Take off the filter and revel in the banter.

SEC Football Unfiltered features hosts Blake Toppmeyer and John Adams of the USA TODAY Network serving opinion, debate and analysis on trending college football topics within the Southeastern Conference. No subject is off limits, and no one is above rebuke. Take off the filter and revel in the banter.

SEC Football Unfiltered

James Franklin is on the market, kicked to the curb by Penn State. He's a proven program builder, and, within the SEC, there are programs that need rebuilt. He's shown he can win in the SEC, too, having succeeded at Vanderbilt. True, he's got a history of flopping in big games, but he's a steady performer. Would any SEC programs be up for such steadiness? On today's episode, hosts Blake Toppmeyer and John Adams consider a few SEC jobs where Franklin might be an upgrade on current or past coaches. Adams says he likes Franklin for Arkansas' opening, plus two other SEC jobs that aren't yet open but might come open soon. Toppmeyer isn't quite as sold on the idea of Franklin reviving his career in the SEC. How do you sell the hire of a guy who just lost to UCLA and Northwestern? Also in this episode, the hosts update their 12-team playoff projection, choosing five SEC teams for the field. Finally, Week 8 picks against the spread!

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