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James Franklin news
Archived — this story has rotated out of today’s deck. It is kept here in full.
The gist
James Franklin, Virginia Tech's new coach, has a roster ranked 27th in talent. He aims to stun the ACC in his first season.
Background
James Franklin was hired as Virginia Tech's head coach last November, taking over after a season-ending loss to Virginia. He brought several players from Penn State, including quarterback Ethan Grunkemeyer and tight end Luke Reynolds, along with defensive coordinator Brent Pry. The roster has undergone significant changes, and 247Sports' Talent Composite Rankings place Virginia Tech at 27th, the most talented roster for the Hokies since the rankings debuted in 2015.
How it unfolded
- Nov 2025James Franklin was hired as Virginia Tech's head coach, taking over after a season-ending loss to Virginia.
- Jul 16, 2026Franklin spoke to the media at ACC Kickoff in Charlotte, NC.
- Aug 25, 2026Franklin held a media availability session; predictions for the season ranged from 8-4 to 6-6.
- Aug 28, 2026247Sports released Talent Composite Rankings, ranking Virginia Tech 27th, the most talented roster since 2015.
Who’s saying what
- Analysts
- The New York Post predicts Virginia Tech will stun the ACC, citing Franklin's talent and experience.
- Caution
- Some predictions range from 8-4 to 6-6, indicating uncertainty about the team's immediate success.