Virginia Tech coach James Franklin hit the ground running on the recruitment trail after being fired by the Penn State Nittany Lions last year. After managing to flip several former Penn State commits on National Signing Day, Franklin has also recruited aggressively via the transfer portal.
On Wednesday, the Hokies announced a significant change to their 2026 football calendar.
James Franklin’s Hokies Cancel JMU Game
The Hokies were scheduled to play a game against College Football Playoff participant James Madison on Sept. 26, 2026. Still, the game was cancelled on Wednesday. The move was prompted by the ACC’s decision to move to a nine-game schedule next season, leaving Virginia Tech with one fewer non-conference game.
The Hokies will pay the Dukes $800,000 for the cancellation, and the Dukes’ athletic director, Matt Roan, released a statement smoothing over the untimely move.
“We appreciate the timely, transparent communication from Whit Babcock and Virginia Tech regarding our game in 2026 following the ACC’s move to a nine-game conference schedule, and we remain hopeful that we’re able to schedule a future game between our two programs down the road,” Roan said.
“We’re especially appreciative to J.D. Wicker and his San Diego State staff for stepping forward and being willing to play us. We’re excited to take the Dukes to Southern California to face a new team in what will be one of the best Group of 6 matchups next fall.”
The Dukes will play the San Diego State Aztecs instead. At the same time, the Hokies’ non-conference schedule will include home games against the VMI Keydets and Old Dominion Monarchs and a road game against the Maryland Terrapins.
Franklin Urges Fans To Attend Hokies’ Spring Game
Virginia Tech will hold its annual spring game on April 18, giving fans their first chance to watch Franklin’s retooled roster. In a statement released on Tuesday, Franklin urged Virginia Tech fans to attend the Hokies’ spring game to enhance the perception of their football program among recruits and nationally.
“The spring game will be our first chance to take the field in front of our fans,” Franklin said. “When Hokie Nation shows up, it sends a message to recruits, opponents, and the country about how seriously Virginia Tech takes football.
“That environment lifts our players and fuels the way we compete. We look forward to seeing Hokie Nation pack the stands and bring the energy that makes this place special.”
Virginia Tech finished the season with a woeful 3-9 record, including earning a C+ score on PFSN’s CFB Offense Impact and a D+ score in PFSN’s CFB Defense Impact, showcasing the task ahead of Franklin.
The Hokies will welcome 18 out of 22 early enrollees from the 2026 signing class for spring practice. Franklin’s 2026 Virginia Tech recruitment class is ranked No. 24 in the nation by 247Sports.
