James Franklin’s Move to Virginia Tech Draws Former Penn State Commits

BLACKSBURG, Va. — November 21, 2025 — James Franklin’s transition to Virginia Tech as head football coach is already influencing the program’s recruiting landscape, with multiple players who had previously committed to Penn State now visiting the Hokies.

According to sources familiar with the situation, several athletes who had pledged to play for Penn State are reconsidering their options and have made visits to Virginia Tech since Franklin’s arrival. This development signals a potential shift in recruiting momentum for the Hokies, who are aiming to rebuild their program under Franklin’s leadership.

Franklin, who was dismissed from his position at Penn State earlier this year, was officially named Virginia Tech’s head coach last month. His hiring was seen as a significant move by the Hokies, who hope to leverage his experience and recruiting connections to strengthen their roster.

Recruiting experts note that coaching changes often lead to fluctuations in player commitments, and Franklin’s established relationships with high school prospects and their families appear to be a factor in the recent visits. While no formal commitments to Virginia Tech have been announced, the increased interest from former Penn State commits is noteworthy.

Virginia Tech’s football program has faced challenges in recent seasons, including inconsistent performance and coaching instability. The addition of Franklin is viewed as a step toward restoring competitiveness in the Atlantic Coast Conference.

Penn State, meanwhile, is navigating its own transition following Franklin’s departure. The Nittany Lions have yet to publicly comment on the shifting recruiting dynamics.

As recruiting continues through the offseason, both Virginia Tech and Penn State will be closely monitoring the decisions of these prospects. The outcome could have implications for the balance of power in college football recruiting within the region.

Franklin’s ability to attract talent to Virginia Tech will be critical as he works to implement his vision for the program. The recent visits from former Penn State commits suggest that his influence remains strong among players who had previously aligned with him.

Further developments in recruiting commitments are expected in the coming months as the signing period approaches. Virginia Tech’s administration has expressed optimism about the direction of the football program under Franklin’s guidance.

The situation underscores the broader impact coaching changes can have on college athletics, particularly in programs with established recruiting pipelines. Franklin’s move to Virginia Tech serves as a case study in how leadership shifts can reshape team rosters and recruiting strategies.