Former Penn State Nittany Lions head coach James Franklin reached an agreement with Virginia Tech on Monday. He was officially introduced as the Hokies’ new head coach on Wednesday.
In his introductory conference, Franklin delivered a bold message to high school prospects that may not have Virginia Tech on their radar.
“We have to find a way to get the people in this state, and the players in this state, to understand that they can achieve all their dreams and goals right here at home,” Franklin said (via Sports Center). That is going to be critical. We have got to make Virginia Tech the sexy and cool place to go for in-state players.
“Once we do that, we also know we have to do a great job in the region or footprint, however you want to describe it. We also feel like we have the brand and ability to go national, when we need to, as well. In today’s college football, you have got to do whatever you have got to do from a state, region and national, to put yourself in the best position to be competitive at the highest level.”
Virginia Tech #Hokies Head Coach James Franklin’s message to prospects that may not have Virginia Tech on their radar (via @SportsCenter):
“We have to find a way to get the people in this state, and the players in this state, to understand that they can achieve all their dreams…
— Matej Sis (@MatejS247) November 19, 2025
has an overall head coaching record of 128-60 over 15 seasons at Vanderbilt and Penn State. He has also been a successful recruiter throughout his coaching journey.
Franklin also said in his conference that he has already begun recruiting, saying that his staff had 40 recruits on the phone two nights earlier. He is targeting several elite recruits who had previously committed to Penn State or had Virginia Tech offers under the previous staff.
Some of Penn State commits in Franklin’s target for Virginia Tech are four-star tight end Pierce Petersohn, and three-star offensive lineman Benjamin Eziuka. Meanwhile, former Nittany Lions’ committed players like four-star linebacker Mathieu Lamah and four-star wide receiver Davion Brown also remain Franklin’s target.
Emotional James Franklin Speaks on Friendship With Brent Pry After Hokies’ Coaching Change
Brent Pry was relieved of his duties by Virginia Tech back in September following an 0-3 start to the 2025 campaign. As James Franklin steps in to replace him, the new head coach naturally addressed the situation involving his longtime colleague.
“I’ve known Brent for over 30 years.” Franklin said. “His dad was my offensive coordinator in college. I know this place is better today because of Brent and the commitment that he made.”
Pry’s firing came immediately after a 45-26 loss to Old Dominion. Franklin also discussed the private talks he had with Pry about the state of the program.
“I’m able to call Brent Pry and he’s able to tell me the truth,” he said. “I didn’t want anyone to sugarcoat it. Brent was very, very transparent. The first thing that was very obvious is he cares about this place deeply. He’s always spoken very, very highly of this place and the community.”
Pry became the second coach dismissed in the FBS that season. Across his time in Blacksburg, Pry compiled a 16-24 record. His strongest season came in 2023. In that season, he guided the Hokies to a 7-6 finish and a Military Bowl victory.
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