In a bold move, new Virginia Tech head coach James Franklin is bringing a surprising number of his former Penn State players to bolster his roster for the upcoming season. By working the transfer portal, Franklin has landed 12 former PSU players—including quarterback Ethan Grunklemeyer—to join the Hokies.
He wants to create a familiar, trusted environment as he starts this new chapter with Virginia Tech. The influx of these transfers has bumped Virginia Tech’s transfer class to No. 27 overall for 2026, according to 247 Sports.
James Franklin’s Strategy to Build Trust and Familiarity
Franklin’s decision to bring over a dozen of his former Penn State players really shows his commitment to building a program rooted in trust and familiarity. At the ACC Kickoff media days in Charlotte, Franklin explained his thinking, stressing how much it matters to have players he already knows and trusts.
This approach cuts down on risk and gives the new coaching staff in Blacksburg athletes who are already used to Franklin’s coaching style and expectations. It’s a move that feels as practical as it is bold.
The Impact of the Transfer Portal
The transfer portal has changed college football, letting coaches like Franklin quickly build a competitive roster. By bringing in 12 PSU players, Franklin is using the portal to smooth the transition and shrink the learning curve for his new team.
Quarterback Ethan Grunklemeyer stands out among the transfers and is expected to play a big role in the Hokies’ offense. By recruiting players he’s already coached, Franklin can hit the ground running and try to build a cohesive unit right away.
Comparing Virginia Tech and Penn State’s Transfer Classes
Virginia Tech’s transfer class for 2026 includes 27 commits and ranks No. 27 overall, with three four-star athletes and the rest three-star. That ranking reflects the quality and potential Franklin’s brought in.
Penn State, now under new head coach Matt Campbell, has a transfer class ranked No. 34 overall. Campbell, who took over in December, also brought in a good chunk of his former Iowa State players—24 in total.
It’s interesting to see how both coaches are taking advantage of the transfer market, but in slightly different ways. The competition for talent is fierce, and everyone’s looking for an edge.
Challenges and Expectations for the Upcoming Season
Franklin’s first season with Virginia Tech will test how well the former Penn State players can adapt to their new environment. They’re familiar with Franklin’s coaching, which helps, but they’ll still need to adjust to new team dynamics and the challenges of the ACC.
Similarly, Matt Campbell faces the challenge of integrating his Iowa State players into Penn State’s Big Ten squad. The Big Ten brings its own level of physical play and intensity that can’t be ignored.
Reducing Risks in College Football
Franklin brought in so many former players to reduce risks. In college football, minimizing risks is just part of building a winning program.
By surrounding himself with players he trusts, Franklin hopes to create a stable foundation for his team. The players, knowing Franklin’s style and expectations, can settle in faster and maybe even play with more confidence.
The Role of Trust and Respect
Trust and respect are huge in building a successful football program. Franklin’s move to bring players who already trust and respect him says a lot about the relationships he built at Penn State.
The players’ decision to follow Franklin to Virginia Tech shows real belief in his leadership and vision. That kind of loyalty can’t be faked—it’s earned over time.
Looking Ahead: The Future of Virginia Tech Football
This season will be a big test for Franklin and his new-look Hokies. The strategy to bring in so many former Penn State players will definitely draw attention from fans and analysts.
If the team gels quickly and performs, Franklin’s approach might just look like a masterstroke. If not, well, people will have questions. That’s just how it goes in college football.
Conclusion
James Franklin decided to bring 12 former Penn State players to Virginia Tech through the transfer portal. It’s a gutsy move, honestly, and seems aimed at creating a team vibe that’s rooted in trust and familiarity.
This approach really shows how much college football is changing. The transfer portal isn’t just a tool—it’s kind of reshaping entire rosters now.
The Hokies are gearing up for the new season, and we’ll soon see if Franklin’s gamble pays off. Will this strategy set a new trend for team-building in college football? Guess we’ll find out soon enough.
For more details on James Franklin’s strategy and the upcoming season, you can read the full article on Yahoo Sports.
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