James Franklin is starting a new journey at Virginia Tech after Penn State released him after six games this past season. Franklin signed a five-year, $41.75 million contract with the Hokies, who went 3-9 last season. His primary goal is to lead the team to the College Football Playoff, potentially by utilizing the transfer portal to acquire a quarterback who can revitalize the program.
Looking ahead to his inaugural season at Virginia Tech, a college football analyst suggests Franklin could pursue a specific signal-caller in the transfer portal. This potential quarterback addition might help the Hokies replicate the success Franklin achieved at Penn State.
Analyst Sees Memphis QB Committing to James Franklin’s Virginia Tech Next Season
PFSN college football analyst Terry Biggs sees Memphis quarterback A.J. Hill committing to Virginia Tech next season despite playing only two games with the Tigers during his freshman year.
The former four-star recruit completed 59.4% of his passes for 223 yards, with one touchdown and one interception during his time with Memphis, and Biggs expects him to be a potential fit for Franklin’s team, which is transitioning from a poor 2025 campaign.
“Hill’s potential fit comes at a transitional moment for the Hokies. As new head coach Franklin begins to build his program, he faces the decision of whether to add a redshirt freshman with just two games of experience and 53 snaps,” Biggs said.
The analyst also noted Franklin’s tendency to prioritize veteran signal callers as his QB1, but he could make an exception if Hill joins the Hokies.
“Traditionally, Franklin does not start freshman quarterbacks, but several factors could influence his approach during this program transition,” he said.
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One of Memphis’ highest-ranked recruits ever, Hill was behind Brendon Lewis on the depth chart this past season. He appeared in two games, including the Gasparilla Bowl, when the game was already out of hand.
Hill showed potential when he entered for an injured Lewis in Memphis’ loss to UAB on Oct. 18. He nearly led the Tigers to a comeback win, but his late-game drive fell short near the goal line due to multiple false-start penalties at the 1-yard line.
The Warner Robins, Georgia, native, who has four years of eligibility remaining, announced he is entering the transfer portal after two games with the Tigers.
The 6’4″ signal-caller, who split time with Arrington Maiden behind Lewis at center, could be in line for a starting job elsewhere. He is considered a traditional pocket passer, which runs counter to the philosophy of newly hired Tigers coach Charles Huff.
During his introductory press conference, Huff said he wants to play with a mobile quarterback, and although Hill displayed some mobility against UAB, he would likely prefer operating from the pocket.
Franklin has the luxury of time to consider his plans at the quarterback position, and he will have several options to evaluate before preparations for the 2026 college football season begin.
