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The James Franklin effect is already taking shape.
Franklin was fired from Penn State last month after a terrible start proved to be the final straw for his lack of success against top 10 teams throughout his tenure. But last week, Virginia Tech officially hired him to lead its football program, and he’s already seemingly making his mark.
According to Rivals, five Penn State commitments have taken or are set to take official visits to Franklin’s new school.
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Virginia Tech head coach James Franklin speaks during a press conference at Cassell Coliseum. (Brian Bishop/Imagn Images)
Offensive linemen Benjamin Eziuka and Roseby Lubintus both told the outlet they would visit, as did the father of four-star quarterback Troy Huhn.
Franklin was fired by Penn State following the Nittany Lions’ loss to Northwestern, the program’s third straight loss and another shocker after a loss to UCLA the previous week. The Nittany Lions are 4-6 on the season and 1-6 in Big Ten play.
It’s been a stellar few seasons for Virginia Tech under head coach Brent Pry and his predecessor, Justin Fuente. However, Franklin’s adaptive approach to the modern college football landscape could quickly turn things around in Blacksburg.
L-R, John Rocovich, Timothy Sands, James Franklin and Whit Babcock hold up a Virginia Tech jersey during a news conference announcing Franklin as head coach at Cassell Coliseum. (Brian Bishop/Imagn Images)
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Franklin will be the most accomplished head coach for the program since Frank Beamer retired in 2015 after 29 seasons at the helm of the Hokies. Franklin, who coached at Vanderbilt before coming to Penn State, went 128-60 over his 15 seasons as the head coach.
Despite this season’s struggles, Franklin was coming off a 2024 campaign that included a College Football Playoff semifinal appearance and a Big Ten championship in 2016.
“I can’t wait… I’ve been watching that intro to college football my whole life,” Franklin said at his introductory press conference. “It is something special.
Virginia Tech football coach James Franklin and wife Fumi attend a press conference introducing him as head coach at Cassell Coliseum. (Brian Bishop/Imagn Images)
“We were one drive away from playing in the national championship, so I know what that looks like,” Franklin added.
