Amid NIL, recruiting, retainment, support, and much more, Penn State coach James Franklin closely follows his former players.

The Philadelphia Eagles’ running back, Saquon Barkley, is no exception. Speaking with Big Ten Network while reviewing his 2025 college football recruiting class, Franklin made it a point to mention the Eagles’ superstar and give his thoughts on how Barkley’s performance against the two-time defending Super Bowl champion Kansas City Chiefs may pan out.

“Based on what he’s been doing all year long, we’re proud of him,” Franklin said. “For him to be doing it back in the state of Pennsylvania, where. he grew up, is special. People are going crazy about it between Penn State fans and Eagles fans; it has been good [to see]. We [at Penn State] expected him to have a big year. He’s had a dominant year all year long. I think he should be MVP of the NFL. I think he has done that – you look at the yards, you look at the production.”

Franklin said even though Barkley’s current NFL accolades shouldn’t be a surprise to those who follow him, there is much more to it.

“Even the playoff game [against the Los Angeles Rams] where he could have ran for another 60-yard touchdown, and put the team first and just slid down. That’s the kind of young man he is.”

Barkley hopes to do more of the same in the Super Bowl against the Chiefs, his first time appearing in the game after spending six seasons with the New York Giants.