Penn State’s decision to fire James Franklin has immediately turned the college football rumor mill into overdrive. And according to BetOnline’s newly released odds, three Big 12 schools are squarely in the mix as possible landing spots for Franklin: Oklahoma State at 14/1, Baylor at 25/1, and Kansas at 40/1.
Now, odds are not guarantees, but they are signals. Seeing Big 12 programs among the respected options tells you how much the conference is part of the national conversation, despite two of the three schools having active head coaches under contract.
Oklahoma State at 14/1 is especially interesting. The Cowboys are coming off a major change; they recently parted ways with long‑time coach Mike Gundy. They’re in a rebuilding phase, and landing someone with Franklin’s résumé would be a bold statement. But at 14/1, the general market sees it as plausible, not improbable.
Baylor at 25/1 is a bit more of a stretch, but not outlandish. The Bears have brand leverage, a history, and market appeal. The thing holding them back is the fact that they have an active head coach. Still, stranger things have happened, and Dave Aranda has been linked to the UCLA job this cycle.
Kansas at 40/1 is more of a long shot, and the odds reflect that. Lance Leipold has been the most successful head coach to grace the sidelines in Lawrence in ages, and I wouldn’t expect him to ride off into the sunset anytime soon.
Of course, betting odds are speculative by nature. They reflect public betting, perception, and insider whispers, not boardroom decisions. But they do help frame early narratives. If Penn State’s search leans regional or leans toward power profiles, the Big 12 will be watching closely.
So yes, Franklin’s next address might not be in the Big Ten. It might be in a conference that’s quietly asserting renewed relevance. And if OSU, Baylor, or Kansas wants to make a splash, those 14/1, 25/1, or 40/1 lines just might be starting points.
