Former Penn State coach James Franklin has revitalized the Virginia Tech Hokies after being appointed head coach in November last year. Under his leadership, the Hokies managed a top-25 recruiting class while securing one of the best transfer portal classes in the country, raising optimism about the team’s ceiling in Blacksburg.
The Hokies finished last season with a 3-9 record, which led to former head coach and current defensive coordinator Brent Pry being dismissed midway through the season.
John Talty Outlines High Bar for James Franklin’s Virginia Tech
During the “CBS Sports College Football” show on Tuesday, analyst John Talty outlined expectations for Franklin’s Virginia Tech program next season following a difficult 2025 campaign under Pry.
“I think you could say it’s as low as making a bowl game,” Talty said. “Looking at their schedule, looking at the talent they’ve brought in, I feel like eight wins is possible. I think it’s feasible. I think that would keep the momentum going that he has right now. They finished strong on the recruiting trail, added some key pieces.
“Virginia Tech is a program that’s struggled. They’ve not had success since the Frank Beamer days. Getting to eight (wins) would make people feel good, like this is the kind of guy that we needed to come in, to raise the floor of what we’re capable of doing. To rebuild the program that has seen better days. It’s possible they’re 6-0 heading to Georgia Tech.”
Frank Beamer is the winningest coach in Hokies history, compiling a 238-121-2 record and leading Virginia Tech to four ACC championships during his 28-year career in Blacksburg.
Hokies Rank Highly in Analyst’s 2026 Predictions
Franklin’s Hokies earned a strong placement in CBS Sports reporter Cody Nagel’s way-too-early top-25 rankings on Monday, landing at No. 24, just behind the SMU Mustangs, who were projected to win the ACC championship.
“Bold prediction: James Franklin leads Hokies to 10 wins in Year 1,” Nagel wrote. “James Franklin arrives in Blacksburg with a chance to awaken a sleeping giant. The pieces are already in place for Virginia Tech to start fast, and the ACC schedule offers real opportunity for early momentum.
“If the Hokies stack wins in September and October, 10 victories suddenly feel attainable.”
While the first half of the Hokies’ schedule appears relatively manageable, the second half includes trips to face the Clemson Tigers, SMU Mustangs, and Miami Hurricanes, before finishing the season with a home game against the Virginia Cavaliers.
