Overview
- Virginia Tech formally introduced James Franklin on Nov. 19, with AD Whit Babcock calling the hire a landmark moment for the program.
- Penn State’s buyout obligation to Franklin dropped to roughly $9 million under a 2021 contract duty-to-mitigate clause tied to his new job, according to documents cited by Front Office Sports.
- Franklin said he phoned 40 Hokies commits and top in-state prospects and expects a large group of recruits in Blacksburg for the Miami game.
- Early staff building is underway, with longtime Penn State aides Andy Frank (general manager) and Kevin Threlkel (chief of staff) reported to be joining him in Blacksburg.
- Franklin outlined his NIL approach, saying the Hokies will not lead with money in recruiting but must remain competitive, while PennLive reports Virginia Tech has already re-offered several prospects once tied to Penn State as PSU’s 2026 verbal count fell from 25 to 13.