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.
Mickens was the first to make the Virginia Tech move last week. He originally committed to Franklin at Penn State in August 2023 and took an official visit to Virginia Tech last weekend, which ended up sealing his flip.
“It honestly was a good experience,” Mickens said following the trip. “I’m happy I made the decision to go and see my guys and Coach Franklin. Campus was very nice. It exceeded expectations.”
After Mickens, Lubintus decided that he would also play for the Hokies. He had previously decommitted from Penn State, then silently recommitted during the White Out game, but Franklin’s departure pushed him to flip again to Virginia Tech.
Bright is the third former commit to join Franklin at Virginia Tech, announcing his decision on Thursday. His decision came just a few days after he took an official visit to Blacksburg to spend time with Franklin.
Petersohn is the latest to join Franklin at Virginia Tech after visiting last weekend. With the early signing period approaching, he feels sticking with Franklin gives him more stability.
“Coach Franklin’s message was that tight ends are still gonna be used heavily in his offense at Tech,” Petersohn said. “The program and fan base is really strong. And since he’s got there, the community has really bought into him.”
After losing these four players to Virginia Tech, Penn State is now left with only seven committed players in the 2026 class. Some of the four-star commits in the cycle are linebacker Terry Wiggins, safety Matt Sieg and edge rusher Jackson Ford.
Meanwhile, Virginia Tech has 12 committed players in the 2026 class. Franklin is preparing to host more flip candidates and top-level prospects as he pushes toward a top-25 recruiting class.
As for the 2025 season, Virginia Tech is 3-8 now and ranks No. 74 in the PFSN College Football Playoff Ranking.
