Overview
- Documents show a five-year, largely guaranteed agreement that pays about $6 million in 2026 and climbs to as much as $13.25 million in 2030, totaling at least $41.75 million.
- Franklin can earn up to $800,000 annually tied to Virginia Tech’s television viewership, plus bonuses for ACC title game and College Football Playoff results.
- Virginia Tech boosted the payroll for assistants and support staff to roughly $15.5 million, including $9.5 million for assistant coaches and $6 million for supplemental roles.
- Penn State and Franklin agreed to reduce his buyout obligation to about $9 million, easing the financial transition from his October firing.
- Recruiting momentum accelerated as multiple Penn State commits scheduled visits to Blacksburg, while Franklin made an ESPN appearance from Lane Stadium during the Miami game amid mixed reports on whether he will coach again in 2025.