Penn State commit James Franklin will head to Virginia Tech
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James Franklin’s influence was already taking shape.
Franklin was fired from Penn State last month after a horrific start proved to be the last straw, given 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 it’s clear he’s already starting to make his mark.
According to competitorsFive Penn State institutions have made, or are scheduled to make, official visits to the new Franklin School.
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Virginia Tech coach James Franklin speaks during a news conference at Cassel Coliseum. (Brian Bishop/Imagine Images)
Offensive linemen Benjamin Ezioka and Rusby Lopintos both told the outlet they would take visits, as did the father of four-star linebacker Troy Hawn.
Franklin was fired by Penn State after the Nittany Lions’ loss to Northwestern, the program’s third straight defeat and another shocking result after the loss To the University of California The previous week. The Nittany Lions are 4-6 on the season and 1-6 in Big Ten play.
It’s been a lackluster few seasons for Virginia Tech under coach Brent Bray and his predecessor Justin Fuente. However, Franklin’s adaptive approach to the modern college football landscape could quickly turn things around in Blacksburg.
LR, John Rockovich, Timothy Sands, James Franklin and Whit Babcock hold a Virginia Tech jersey during a press conference announcing Franklin as head coach at Cassel Coliseum. (Brian Bishop/Imagine Images)
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Franklin will be the program’s most accomplished coach since Frank Beamer retired in 2015 after 29 seasons at the helm of hockey. Franklin, who coached at Vanderbilt before joining Penn State, went 128-60 during his 15 seasons as head coach.
Despite struggling this season, Franklin was coming off a 2024 campaign that included appearances in the College Football Playoff semifinals and the 2016 Big Ten Championship.
“I can’t wait,” Franklin said in his opening news conference. “I’ve been watching that intro to college football my whole life.” “It’s something special.
Virginia Tech football coach James Franklin and his wife Fumi walk into a press conference where he was introduced as head coach at Cassell Coliseum. (Brian Bishop/Imagine Images)
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“We were just a short drive away from playing in the national championship, so I know what that’s like,” Franklin added.
Fox News’ Scott Thompson contributed to this report.
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