Franklin finished his collegiate career breaking 18 NCAA records at the time, including most career field goals (56), career kick scoring (291 points), most field goals of 50 yards or longer in a career (16), most field goals made in a three-year career (45) and longest average for field goals made in a career (39.5 yards). He was a consensus All-American pick as a sophomore in 1976 and earned All-American honors again as a senior in 1978. He was a Second-team All-America selection as a junior, in 1977.