Franklin’s Impact Already Felt at Virginia Tech
After being fired from Penn State last month amid a disappointing season, James Franklin has quickly begun making waves at Virginia Tech, where he was recently hired to lead the football program. The “Franklin effect” is already visible, with five Penn State commits reportedly taking or planning official visits to his new school, according to Rivals. Among them are offensive linemen Benjamin Eziuka and Roseby Lubintus, as well as four-star quarterback Troy Huhn, signaling Franklin’s ability to maintain relationships with recruits despite changing programs.
Franklin’s departure from Penn State came after a string of disappointments, including three straight defeats with particularly shocking losses to Northwestern and UCLA. The Nittany Lions currently sit at 4-6 overall and a dismal 1-6 in Big Ten play. While Franklin had significant success during his tenure at Penn State, including a 2016 Big Ten championship and a College Football Playoff semifinal appearance in the 2024 season, his struggles against top-10 teams ultimately contributed to his dismissal. Despite these recent challenges, his overall coaching record stands at an impressive 128-60 across 15 seasons at Vanderbilt and Penn State.
Virginia Tech has experienced a period of mediocrity under recent coaches Brent Pry and Justin Fuente, failing to recapture the glory days the program enjoyed under legendary coach Frank Beamer, who retired in 2015 after 29 seasons. Franklin represents the most accomplished coach to take the helm in Blacksburg since Beamer’s departure, bringing proven experience in rebuilding programs and adapting to the modern college football landscape. His ability to navigate the current era of college athletics, including transfer portals and name, image, and likeness considerations, positions him well to potentially turn around the Hokies’ fortunes quickly.
At his introductory press conference at Virginia Tech, Franklin expressed enthusiasm for joining the program known for its iconic entrance to “Enter Sandman” at Lane Stadium, saying, “I can’t wait… I’ve been watching that intro to college football my entire life. It’s something special.” He also referenced his recent success at Penn State, noting, “We were a drive away from playing in the national championship, so I know what it looks like.” This combination of appreciation for Virginia Tech’s traditions and confidence in his ability to achieve at the highest level suggests Franklin is ready to embrace his new challenge with conviction.
Franklin’s move represents a fresh start for both him and the Virginia Tech program. For Franklin, it offers an opportunity to rebuild his reputation away from the mounting pressure at Penn State, where expectations had reached levels that his recent results couldn’t match. For Virginia Tech, it brings in a proven winner with experience developing talent and building competitive programs in the modern era of college football. The Hokies’ willingness to invest in a coach of Franklin’s caliber demonstrates their commitment to returning to national relevance after several disappointing seasons.
The immediate recruitment connections Franklin has maintained illustrate one of his greatest strengths as a coach: relationship building. His ability to connect with players and their families creates loyalty that can transcend program affiliations. As he begins his tenure at Virginia Tech, this skill will be crucial in assembling the talent necessary to compete in an increasingly competitive college football landscape. While challenges certainly lie ahead, Franklin’s track record suggests he has the tools and experience needed to revitalize the Hokies’ program and potentially return it to the prominence it enjoyed during the Beamer era. With his adaptive approach to modern college football and proven history of success, Virginia Tech fans have reason for optimism about the program’s future direction.
