Following his unexpected departure from Penn State, James Franklin orchestrated a rapid recruiting overhaul at Virginia Tech. Within weeks of his hiring, Franklin convinced several high-profile recruits, initially committed to Penn State, to join him in Blacksburg. This swift move, just before the early signing period, dramatically altered the Hokies' recruiting class rankings for 2026.

Franklin leveraged his strong relationships and a trusted network from Penn State. He was able to secure commitments from players like quarterback Troy Huhn and running back Messiah Mickens. This was an intense period, with the new coaching staff and navigating a new campus. The team's incoming class jumped to 21st nationally in ESPN's rankings, owing to Franklin's impressive ability to connect with recruits.

This rapid turnaround came at Penn State's expense, impacting their 2026 class. Franklin's approach focuses on building strong relationships with players. Recruits described Franklin as family, highlighting his long-standing connections. This method previously yielded success at Vanderbilt and Penn State, demonstrating his proven recruiting prowess and vision.

With Franklin's relational approach, Virginia Tech hopes to rebuild its football program. His ability to connect with players, and his vision for the program, are reasons for excitement. What remains to be seen is how this translates to wins on the field. The team has posted only one winning season since 2020, and Franklin will be looking to change that.