James Franklin Pledges No Rebuild at Virginia Tech After Penn State Firing

Overview

• In an On3 interview, Franklin said he has a "huge chip on my shoulder," accepted responsibility for last season's errors, and admitted he took risks he would not repeat.
• He declared there will be no rebuilding years at Virginia Tech and said he expects the Hokies to win next season.
• Franklin said he leaned on trusted relationships by naming Brent Pry and Ty Howle as coordinators to steady his staff.
• Early steps under Franklin include transfer portal additions and a 2026 high school class ranked No. 29 nationally by On3.
• The remarks follow his midseason 2025 dismissal at Penn State after a 4-0 start and come a year after a 13-3 season that reached the College Football Playoff.