Many students at Penn State are feeling overwhelmed by the heavy workload and deadlines as midterms approach. They describe it as a “mid-semester burnout”. Some students join student groups like the Dark Storm Step Team for stress relief and support. Others invest their time in Penn State’s NAACP chapter or Penn State’s Student Black Caucus. These organizations offer spaces for students to relax and connect. Additionally, Penn State provides mental health resources, workshops, and counseling services to help students deal with burnout.
In 2023, Penn State had a long gap between their final regular season game and their New Year’s Six bowl game. However, in 2024 they played three more games in a similar period, leading to lots of extra wear and tear. To manage this, head coach James Franklin reduced winter workouts from 8-10 sessions to 6 for 2025. The team focused on recovery rather than intense training after their big Orange Bowl loss. With these changes, the Nittany Lions got a head start on new recruits during bowl prep. With changes to the College Football Playoff leading to lengthier seasons, athletic director Pat Kraft expressed concern about the season’s physical toll and the impact it will have on spring football.
