James Franklin, the newly appointed head coach of Virginia Tech, has been in the college football business long enough to know the perils of proclaiming ‘we won the offseason’ at the annual ACC media days in Charlotte. Despite the risks, Franklin confidently declared his team’s superiority, stating that Virginia Tech is ‘bigger, stronger, faster, and deeper’ than it was a year ago.
Franklin’s optimism stems from the program’s impressive transfer portal haul, which includes a dozen former Penn State players, renewed recruiting momentum, and a surge of enthusiasm around the program. This is a significant turnaround from the 3-9 season the team experienced in 2022, which led to the firing of coach Brent Pry after just three games.
However, Franklin is well aware that the title of ‘offseason champion’ is often short-lived and can quickly become a punchline if the team fails to deliver on the field. He knows that the real test of his team’s improvement will come when they take to the field and show that the offseason upgrades have created a sustainable product.
A New Era for Virginia Tech Football
Franklin’s appointment marks a new era for Virginia Tech football, and he is determined to strike a balance between preserving the program’s rich history and tradition while modernizing everything else. He recognizes that college football has changed significantly since the departure of legendary coach Frank Beamer in 2015, and he is committed to finding a way to make the program competitive in today’s fast-paced game.
In a nod to the program’s heritage, Franklin invited Beamer to dinner in Charlotte, and he has also maintained close ties with former defensive coordinator Bud Foster. Even more unusually, Pry, who was fired after three games in 2022, has remained on as Franklin’s defensive coordinator. This decision is not an accident, but rather a deliberate attempt to build on the program’s existing strengths and create a sense of continuity.
Franklin’s vision for Virginia Tech football is centered around the idea of creating a modern, competitive program that can compete at the highest level. He is committed to finding a balance between honoring the program’s history and tradition while embracing the changes that are necessary to succeed in today’s game.
When asked how he plans to achieve this balance, Franklin was clear: ‘I think one of the things that’s great about Virginia Tech is there is so much history, there is so much tradition. I think that’s one of the challenges when you are trying to make the program more of a modern football program that’s going to be able to compete at the highest level, you got to find the balance of those two things.’
Franklin’s approach is built around the idea of creating a sustainable product that can compete at the highest level. He recognizes that tradition and history are important, but they must be balanced with the need for modernization and innovation. By embracing the program’s heritage while also embracing change, Franklin is confident that he can create a winning formula for Virginia Tech football.
One word that stood out throughout Franklin’s answers at ACC media days was ‘evidence.’ He emphasized that it will show up in how Virginia Tech plays, the excitement, the pride, and the style of football. Wins and losses will ultimately determine whether the Hokies are back on track, but in the early stages of a rebuild, there are signs that emerge before the record catches up.
The outside expectations are already moving, with Virginia Tech projected to be one of the most improved Power Four teams in the country. FanDuel Sportsbook’s preseason win total reflects a projected jump of roughly 3.5 victories from last year’s 3-9 finish. The real test, however, comes when the Hokies have to show that those wins this offseason have created something sustainable.
Franklin’s measuring stick for success is simple: ‘I’ve said this as well, it’s Frank Beamer in Charlotte watching TV, and he looks, and he goes ‘that’s what it’s supposed to look like.’
