Franklin Recruited Former Penn State Players
Coach James Franklin brought 12 former Penn State players to Virginia Tech through the NCAA transfer portal.
Updated on Oct. 2, 2026 in Football
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Coach James Franklin utilized the NCAA transfer portal to bring 12 former Penn State players to Virginia Tech during the 2026 offseason. These additions are part of a larger roster overhaul involving 28 transfer players as the team remains undefeated after four games.
Why it matters
The influx of familiar talent allows Franklin to build the program around players he already knows and trusts. Players chose this path to minimize risk when moving to a new program.
A total of 28 players joined the roster from the transfer portal, including 12 who previously played for James Franklin. The team has maintained an undefeated record through its first 4 games of the 2026 season.
The players
James Franklin
James Franklin is the head coach at Virginia Tech who previously spent 12 years leading the football program at Penn State.
The details
Franklin relied on his pre-existing relationships to integrate the newcomers into the Virginia Tech system. The team is currently building momentum as they aim for a spot in the 2026 College Football Playoff.
Timeline
- 2026-10-03
Virginia Tech plays against Pitt.
19:00 ET: Kickoff against Pitt at Lane Stadium.
Season Trajectory
This roster construction strategy aims to secure a position in the 2026 College Football Playoff by prioritizing familiarity over long-term high school development. It establishes Virginia Tech as a top contender while testing the limits of transfer-heavy team building.
The team remains undefeated through 4 games, putting them in a strong position for upcoming playoff considerations. Success against Pitt in the next contest is essential for maintaining their current standing.
The takeaway
Franklin's approach demonstrates how coaches are increasingly leaning on established personal connections to navigate the uncertainties of the portal era. This strategy effectively shortens the transition period for new players joining a coaching staff.
What happens next
Virginia Tech is scheduled to play Pitt at Lane Stadium on Friday, October 3, 2026, with kickoff set for 19:00 ET.
Further reading
For more on the team's ongoing progress, visit Football.
Source note: This article includes information reported by On3.
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