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Penn State head coach James Franklin addresses the media during a press conference on Dec. 26, 2014 at Yankee Stadium for the Pinstripe Bowl. Joe Hermitt, PennLive

(JOE HERMITT)

Joining some of his Big Ten east rivals, James Franklin will also be in Texas this week as a guest analyst on ESPN's coverage leading up to the first College Football Playoff National Championship Game.

Penn State announced Franklin will be on multiple programs, starting with two Thursday showings on SportsCenter at approximately 11:30 a.m. and 12:20 p.m. Franklin will also be on ESPN's Championship Drive program, which will air Sunday night at 8 on ESPN2 and ESPNews.

Michigan's new head man, Jim Harbaugh, will also be streaming into people's living rooms as part of ESPN's coverage during Monday night's game between Ohio State and Oregon, according to the Detroit Free Press. And, of course, Urban Meyer is getting his team ready as the Buckeyes look for the Big Ten's first national title since they won it in the 2002 season.

The three head coaches may not cross paths in the Lone Star state, but they will be doing so soon enough on the field and the recruiting trail.

Franklin, who will not be part of ESPN's coverage during the game, is appearing on the Worldwide Leader for the second consecutive year as a guest analyst. He did so last year when he was still Vanderbilt's head coach and Penn State was in the process of searching for Bill O'Brien's replacement.

The television opportunity allows for added exposure for Franklin and the Penn State program. And the Langhorne native can offer insight on an Ohio State team that narrowly escaped Beaver Stadium with a double-overtime win on Oct. 25.