Headline: “What’s Gone Wrong?” National College Football Writer Echoes Penrith Panthers Fans’ Frustrations
May 12, 2025 | By NCF News Team
In a surprising crossover of sentiments, a prominent national college football writer has echoed the growing frustration shared by fans of the Penrith Panthers, raising the same pointed question: “What’s gone wrong?”
Once a dominant force in the NRL, the Penrith Panthers have stumbled through a rocky 2025 season, falling far short of the high expectations set by their recent three-peat premiership era. That same sense of bewilderment has extended beyond rugby league, catching the attention of U.S. college football observers who see striking parallels in the performance downturns of once-great programs.
In a feature column published Sunday, respected college football analyst David Marks drew comparisons between the Panthers and struggling collegiate powerhouses like Alabama and Clemson, questioning how a team with so much recent success could falter so quickly.
“You see it in college football all the time—dynasties unraveling, coaching changes shaking foundations, and player turnover creating chemistry issues,” Marks wrote. “The Penrith Panthers’ current slide looks all too familiar to fans of college teams that once ruled the rankings.”
The Panthers’ lackluster start has left many fans demanding answers. Key injuries, the loss of several experienced players to rival clubs, and inconsistent performances from emerging talent have all contributed to the team’s slump. Some critics have also pointed to coaching decisions and a perceived loss of hunger after years of dominance.
Panthers supporter Michelle Langford said the article resonated deeply: “It’s wild seeing a college football writer talking about our pain over here. But it’s true—we’re all asking the same question. How did it get this bad, this fast?”
Club insiders, meanwhile, urge patience. Panthers coach Ivan Cleary recently told reporters that the team is going through a “natural transitional phase”, and that fans should not write them off yet.
Still, the similarities drawn by the NCF writer have sparked debate across both codes about how hard it is to stay on top in high-pressure leagues—whether in the U.S. college football scene or the NRL.
“Winning a championship is hard. Staying elite is harder,” Marks concluded. “Penrith’s current woes serve as a cautionary tale for every team riding high today.”
With the NRL season still in progress and the Panthers sitting outside the top eight, fans are hoping a turnaround is still possible. But for now, the question remains: what’s gone wrong—and can it be fixed before it’s too late?
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