The James Franklin Effect at Virginia Tech

It seems that the James Franklin effect is already making waves. Franklin, who was let go from Penn State last month after a rocky season and difficulties against top-ranked teams, has just been appointed head coach at Virginia Tech. Early signs suggest he’s taking action quickly.

Reports indicate that multiple players who had committed to Penn State are now visiting Virginia Tech. Offensive linemen Benjamin Eziuka and Roseby Rubintus are among those making the trip, along with the father of four-star quarterback Troy Huynh.

Franklin’s exit from Penn State followed a disappointing loss to Northwestern, marking the Nittany Lions’ third consecutive defeat this season, bringing their record to 4-6 overall and a disheartening 1-6 in Big Ten play. Over the last few years, Virginia Tech hasn’t seen much success with head coach Brent Pry and his predecessor, Justin Fuente. Still, there’s potential for a turnaround, especially if Franklin adapts well to the evolving landscape of college football.

His tenure is likely to bring a fresh perspective, as he’s the most accomplished coach Virginia Tech has had since Frank Beamer stepped down in 2015 after 29 seasons. Before his time at Penn State, Franklin achieved a commendable record of 128-60 in 15 seasons at Vanderbilt, which included a College Football Playoff semi-final appearance and a Big Ten championship in 2016.

During his introductory press conference, Franklin expressed enthusiasm about his new role, saying, “I can’t wait. … I’ve been watching that introductory part of college football my whole life. That’s something special.” It’s clear that he is eager to make an impact.

Reflecting on past experiences, Franklin noted, “We were so close to making it to the national championship, so we know what it’s like.” This sentiment suggests he’s ready to forge ahead and build a strong program at Virginia Tech.