Overview
- Franklin was formally unveiled in Blacksburg, where he outlined a plan to make Virginia Tech operate like a big-time program and grew emotional acknowledging close friend and former Hokies coach Brent Pry.
- Penn State’s original buyout exposure dropped to roughly $9 million via a duty-to-mitigate clause, enabling Franklin’s swift move after his Oct. 12 firing.
- Franklin said he has already called 40 Virginia Tech commits and top in-state prospects and plans a major visit weekend, emphasizing high school recruiting supplemented by the transfer portal.
- Early staff building is underway, with longtime Penn State lieutenants Andy Frank and Kevin Threlkel reported to be joining to help recreate operational stability.
- Recruiting ripples are immediate as Virginia Tech extends offers to prospects tied to Penn State, while PSU AD Pat Kraft publicly congratulated Franklin as the Nittany Lions begin their coaching search.