James Franklin makes waves over ‘re-established 2026’ theme at Virginia Tech
By Rolando Rosa
Published:
It didn’t take James Franklin long to find a new job after getting fired from Penn State last season. Now, the new Virginia Tech coach is confidently proclaiming the once-proud Hokies are headed for a revival.
Franklin amassed a 104-45 record at Penn State from 2014 until midway through last season. Penn State only had one losing season with Franklin at the helm. However, the expectations are high in Happy Valley and Franklin failed to deliver a national championship.
Now, Penn State fans are mocking Franklin for my motivational tactics at Virginia Tech. Franklin’s motto for his first season in Blacksburg is “Re-Established 2026”, which he’s been wearing on a hoodie.
Franklin even posted a hype video with the theme to stir up some excitement for a Virginia Tech fan base that hasn’t experienced a double-digit win season since 2016.
“They’ve been playing football here at Virginia Tech since 1892. Every single person here has been brought here to re-establish Virginia Tech,” Franklin said to the team in the video.
Virginia Tech is coming off a 3-9 season in the final year under Brent Pry, who held the position since 2022. The Franklin era kicks off with a home game vs. VMI on Sept. 5 and a path to a solid start, but conference play will be challenging. The Hokies face Georgia Tech, Clemson, Miami, and Virginia over the last half of the season.
Franklin might be able to improve the team, but immediate contention isn’t expected quite yet. At Kalshi, Virginia Tech has just a 2% chance to win the ACC.
