Virginia Tech football fans have got plenty to buzz about right now. The program just brought in James Franklin as the new head coach, and honestly, it’s hard not to feel a jolt of excitement.
Franklin’s arrival kicked off with an emotional press conference, Metallica’s “Enter Sandman” blaring in the background. He’s got years of experience and a clear vision for where he wants the Hokies to go next.
This is a new chapter for Virginia Tech, coming after Brent Pry’s time at the helm. Franklin jumped right in, talking about recruiting, the transfer portal, and NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) issues—so, yeah, there’s a lot in play.
James Franklin’s Emotional Introduction
The introduction itself was surprisingly touching. Franklin fought back tears as he paid tribute to Brent Pry, who’s not just a predecessor but a longtime friend and former colleague.
Franklin and Pry go way back, having worked together at both Vanderbilt and Penn State. At Penn State, Franklin led the Nittany Lions to a Big Ten title in 2016 and came heartbreakingly close to a National Championship last season, falling in the College Football Playoff semifinals.
Building on Previous Success
Franklin’s track record at Penn State is pretty hard to ignore. The guy knows how to get a team to perform at a high level, and he’s clearly invested in the process.
“There is a core system of how we do things that works, and we believe in that, and we have conviction in that,” he said. He’s all about getting the right people—from coaches to players—on board and building something lasting.
Recruiting and the Transfer Portal
Recruiting and the transfer portal came up fast in the conversation. Franklin’s got strong feelings about the importance of developing young players, not just plugging holes with transfers.
“I want this to be transformational, not transactional,” he said. He’s aiming to help players grow, on and off the field, and that’s not just lip service.
High School Recruiting vs. Transfer Portal
The plan is to lean hard on high school recruiting, then fill in the gaps with the transfer portal when it makes sense. Franklin made it clear: the portal’s a tool, not the foundation.
“We don’t want to live by the portal,” he said. Relying too much on senior transfers just keeps you stuck in a cycle, and that’s not the direction he wants for Virginia Tech.
The NIL Component
NIL is just part of the deal these days, and Franklin didn’t shy away from it. He was upfront: Virginia Tech isn’t going to throw the most money around, but they have to stay competitive.
“For us, we’re not going to lead with money. I want young men to choose our program because this is where they want to be,” he said. It’s a balancing act—attracting players who care about the program while making sure they’re not missing out financially.
Creating a Big-Time Program
Franklin’s vision is pretty ambitious. He wants Virginia Tech to “look, feel, and operate like a big-time program.”
It’s not just about shiny facilities, though that matters. He’s thinking about education, personal growth, and setting these guys up for the long haul—way beyond football.
Looking Ahead
There are only two games left this season, and Franklin’s first official outing at Lane Stadium will be against the Miami (FL) Hurricanes. The anticipation’s real.
His winning record and what he did at Penn State have everyone wondering what’s next. Fans and players are ready to see how it all plays out—maybe even a little impatient, if we’re honest.
Final Thoughts
James Franklin’s arrival at Virginia Tech feels like a big deal for the program.
His emotional introduction and bold vision have already caught plenty of attention.
Franklin’s commitment to a transformational approach stands out.
There’s some real buzz around what his leadership could mean for the Hokies.
If you’re curious about Franklin’s plans or want the latest on Virginia Tech football, check out Newsweek Sports.
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