James Franklin’s Virginia Tech hire is already pulling Penn State recruits to Blacksburg — and the exodus may just be starting
James Franklin’s move to Virginia Tech is already impacting Penn State as multiple Nittany Lions commits plan visits to Blacksburg amid a collapsing season.
Penn State‘s season had already cratered when James Franklin was fired in mid-October. A team that entered 2025 ranked No. 5 spiraled through a six-game losing streak, absorbed a stunning upset to UCLA, and finally collapsed in a 27-10 loss to Northwestern. That defeat became the final straw. Twelve seasons, one Big Ten title, a College Football Playoff semifinal, and years of frustration against elite competition ended in one abrupt decision.
Now the consequences are playing out in real time.
Franklin’s departure triggers immediate recruiting fallout
One week after Virginia Tech hired Franklin as its next head coach, the recruiting tremors have escalated into something more significant. According to Rivals, five Penn State commits have either visited or scheduled visits to Blacksburg. Offensive linemen Benjamin Eziuka and Roseby Lubintus have confirmed travel plans. Four-star quarterback Troy Huhn’s father told the outlet his son is doing the same.
For Penn State, the timing could not be worse. The Nittany Lions sit at 4-6, 1-6 in Big Ten play, operating without a permanent head coach while trying to hold together a roster that has already watched multiple staffers follow Franklin to Virginia Tech.
This is not just normal attrition. It is a loyalty test happening during a freefall.
Franklin arrives in Blacksburg with momentum Penn State lacks
Virginia Tech has spent years mired in mediocrity under Justin Fuente and Brent Pry. Franklin steps in as the most accomplished head coach the program has hired since Frank Beamer retired in 2015. Across 15 seasons at Vanderbilt and Penn State, he compiled a 128-60 record, won a Big Ten championship, and reached a College Football Playoff semifinal as recently as 2024.
In his opening press conference, Franklin made his case plainly. “I can’t wait. I’ve been watching that intro to college football my entire life. It’s something special,” he said. Then he circled back to what Penn State nearly achieved. “We were a drive away from playing in the national championship, so I know what it looks like.”
Those comments won’t go unnoticed at Penn State. Clearly, Franklin still believes his approach was right, even if the final results didn’t show it.
Penn State is exposed, and Franklin sees the opening
With no permanent head coach, a disintegrating season, and a 2026 recruiting class watching closely, Penn State finds itself in one of the shakiest positions of its modern era. Franklin is moving quickly because the moment allows it. The transfer portal has compressed timelines. NIL has shifted leverage. And the recruiting calendar now rewards programs that act with urgency — something Virginia Tech understood well.
Now, the recruits who once committed to play for Franklin in Happy Valley are touring his new facility wearing maroon and orange.
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