James Franklin landed the Virginia Tech job after Penn State fired him following a 104-45 record with the Nittany Lions. The move came after Franklin previously turned around Vanderbilt with a 24-15 record, including back-to-back nine-win seasons.
Penn State dismissed Franklin during the 2025 season after three consecutive losses. The Nittany Lions had reached the College Football Playoff semifinals earlier that year.
While Oregon’s victory over Penn State wasn’t shocking, losses to UCLA and Northwestern sealed Franklin’s fate. Penn State became the first team in college football history to lose consecutive games when favored by more than 20 points.
Virginia Tech moved quickly to hire Franklin after confirming the Florida State position wouldn’t open.
Franklin immediately began recruiting from his former Penn State roster. Several players followed him from the Big Ten to the ACC, showing his connection with players.
His biggest staff addition was keeping Brent Pry as defensive coordinator. Pry, who Virginia Tech had just fired as head coach, previously worked under Franklin at Penn State. Few coaches stay at the school that dismissed them to work for their replacement.
The arrangement makes sense given their history. Pry knows the area better than Franklin and understands how Franklin operates.
Franklin’s recruiting impact was immediate. Virginia Tech was ranked outside the top 75 for the 2026 class when he arrived.
After taking the job, the Hokies jumped to No. 29 in recruiting rankings. Franklin brought several four-star recruits who had committed to Penn State: QB Troy Huhn, RB Messiah Mickens and LB Terry Wiggins.
He also secured QB Ethan Grunkemeyer, who became Penn State’s starter after Drew Alar’s injury. Despite finishing the season strong, Grunkemeyer transferred and is expected to start for Virginia Tech.
Franklin trolled his former employer with a Crumbl cookie social media post after arriving in Blacksburg.
The ACC presents a more favorable path than the Big Ten. Franklin won’t face Ohio State, Michigan, Indiana and Oregon annually.
Miami reached the conference title game last season, but the rest of the ACC has struggled. With Florida State and Clemson declining, Virginia Tech has an opportunity to compete for the conference championship.
The Hokies could make the 12-team playoff this season.
It’s the most optimism in Blacksburg since Frank Beamer retired.
