If elite is defined by James Franklin, who started this entire discussion after a bitter loss to Ohio State in 2018 (and shouldn’t have because it was the wrong time and because he hasn’t been able to live up to it), then probably not.

On the field, the Nittany Lions are a ways off.

Franklin proves that every time they line up against Ohio State.

Whether that gap can be closed, or be closed by Franklin, is questionable.

But for the sake of today’s discussion, let’s take a different path, and I will say Penn State is an elite program, though perhaps not an elite team.

Thanks to the Mirror, I’ve been fortunate — blessed — to travel the country for many years covering Penn State and have seen more than my share of opposing stadiums, bowl games and fan bases in action.

And, trust me, Penn State is elite.

You know the history.

Two national titles (1982 and ’86) arguably jobbed out of a third in 1994.

Along the way, Beaver Stadium expanded a half-dozen times and stands as the second-largest college football stadium in America.

Last week vs. the Buckeyes drew an attendance record with 111,030.

State College on a Saturday welcomes a loyal pilgrimage, dripping with traditional and game-day customs, to Central PA and has done so for nearly 60 years — as Joe Paterno, Bill O’Brien and, yes, Franklin have built, rebuilt or kept the Nittany Lions on a national stage reserved for very few.

If you don’t think Penn State is elite, you weren’t watching Ohio State’s reaction — coaches, players and fans — to winning last week.

Ryan Day hugged Chip Kelly, his offensive coordinator, like they just won a national championship.

Yes, the Buckeyes are used to beating Penn State, but they know the effort it takes to come here and get that done.

Ohio State, we know, is on a different level of elitism than the Lions, whom they’ve dominated.

But how many truly elite programs are there? Elitism can be fleeting. Ask Florida State.

Ohio State is elite, but it hasn’t won a national title in 10 years. Michigan would be another as the reigning national champion, but the Wolverines are 5-4, facing another loss this weekend at Indiana and headed for a rebuild.

How about Clemson? Its best days may be behind them.

Certainly Oregon, Georgia and Alabama can’t be questioned, even though the Tide, with another loss, could miss the playoff this year.

Texas is on the rise, but at the same time, it was gutted by the Dawgs at home, and it’s won one national title (2005) in 55 years.

Oklahoma and USC, once strong brands, have been driven down by Lincoln Riley.

Notre Dame stands as an independent with its elite brand.

Going forward, sustained elitism will be tied to facilities and player compensation through NIL.

Ohio State spent a reported $20 million on this year’s roster while Penn State trails at about $13 million.

PSU is in the midst of a $700 million renovation to Beaver Stadium, for which it has received substantial contributions approaching $100 million.

Presumably, sooner than later, perhaps with the help of Congress, the NCAA will establish guidelines and get its arms around the transfer portal so that the national championship won’t simply be won by the highest spender.

But make no mistake: PSU didn’t lose to Ohio State on Saturday because the Buckeyes outspent them. The Lions lost because they shrunk in the clutch.

For now, though, Penn State is ranked No. 6 despite its struggles vs. Ohio State and without the benefit of a marquee win. That’s elite respect.

Just as its past is storied, its future is bright, and Penn State is likely to have a seat at the College Football Playoff table in most years.

And that table is reserved for the elite.

Rudel can be reached at nrudel@altoonamirror.com.