After serving as the head coach at Penn State from 2014 to 2025, James Franklin has now taken over the role at Virginia Tech. Throughout his career with the Nittany Lions, he struggled against big programs, but he has been known as a program builder with a strong record in recruiting.
Franklin is using his same charisma with Virginia Tech as well to push for an elite recruiting class for the Hokies.
James Franklin Makes Instant Waves With Explosive Early Recruiting at Virginia Tech
Since arriving in Blacksburg, Franklin has poached Penn State four times, flipping four Nittany Lions commits in a span of just three days. The group includes four-star offensive tackle Marlen Bright, four-star tight end Pierce Petersohn, four-star running back Messiah Mickens, and three-star offensive tackle Roseby Lubintus.
These back-to-back commitments boosted Virginia Tech’s 2026 class by 54 spots, jumping to No. 67 in the Rivals Industry Team Recruiting Rankings…