As the first week of the fall semester begins, so does the return of the #SetTheStandard tradition.

It began under former Penn State football head coach James Franklin, with Penn State football freshmen posting photos of themselves arriving early to their first class and sitting in the front row, emphasizing the importance Franklin placed on academics.

Franklin may be gone, but #SetTheStandard isn’t, and this year X users found some clever ways to carry on the tradition.

First day of class
Skipped every one
Fuck you @coachjfranklin pic.twitter.com/jCgI5mwgzf

— Buc ball enthusiast (@idontgiveabuc) August 24, 2026

There’s nothing like some Minecraft and a bowl of pasta to get the week started.

First day of classes front row @coachjfranklin pic.twitter.com/TVzo2gYWFX

— different (Unsupervised) (@_diff_erent_) August 25, 2026

A front-row seat to the pool with soggy fries in your lap sounds better than sitting in the front row of class with a computer in your lap.

Sign us up.

First day of class, 15 minutes early @coachjfranklin pic.twitter.com/0NIDPEk4Ap

— Ryan “mash” Sawyers Jr. (@rizzbeerdrinker) August 24, 2026

15 minutes early — to happy hour.

First day of class, 15 mins early, front row. @coachjfranklin pic.twitter.com/SwWC9KkZtm

— NittanyFriar (@nittanyFriar) August 25, 2026

… and another.

Wonder if Franklin ever indulged in a pitcher from Cafe 210 West on a sunny morning?

First day of class, 10 minutes early, front row! “@coachjfranklin pic.twitter.com/xID0y1DQfT

— Chuck Morris (Kam Robinson for Heisman) (@wahoowa000) August 24, 2026

Penn State and Virginia fans have been able to unite over thier loss of love for the Hokies and here’s another example.

If it’s not Rocco Becht, we wish Kam Robinson a Heisman-level season this year.

First day of class, 20 minutes late, back row, fuck you @coachjfranklin pic.twitter.com/MrtzZ9LH4z

— Rob “Crank Hog” Raven ‘PGA (@rob_pga17855) August 24, 2026

This is the textbook definition of #UnsettingTheStandard.

10 minutes late, back of the class. Hand up @coachjfranklin pic.twitter.com/WSL0X1wIPP

— Donovan Murph’s Burner (@SlotMachineDon) August 25, 2026

The hand-up may count toward some participation points, setting a higher bar for others.

10 minutes late
Back row
Hungover @CoachMattRhule #GBR pic.twitter.com/8zf30WAaWJ

— James “Jimbo” Funkmeister (@MachoMan505) August 25, 2026

I hear the “hair of the dog that bit you” will do the trick. #TheBenderNeverEnds

10 minutes late
Hungover
Watching YouTube the whole class@coachjfranklin pic.twitter.com/POoEMjeMQ4

— Arnold “Undilation” Palmer (@ArniePalmm) August 25, 2026

Not paying attention and underperforming — just like Franklin.

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