Kolby Crawford of VTScoop reported on Wednesday night that things were looking positive about James Franklin becoming the next head coach at Virginia Tech. Clearly, there are still things to figure out, and you never know what can happen until pen is signed to paper, but there continues to be smoke around Franklin and Virginia Tech.
If Franklin does end up as Brent Pry's replacement in Blacksburg, he will have a lot of work to do in building a roster for the 2026 season. Who does he retain from the current roster, and who gets added through the Transfer Portal? Then there are Class of 2026 recruits who are still committed to Penn State before Franklin was fired. Which of those commits could Franklin flip from the Nittany Lions to come to Blacksburg? Here are three that would be big additions to the Hokies.
Tyson Harley, Edge
Virginia Tech has had a history of producing some very good defensive linemen, and Tyson Harley could follow in those footsteps. Along with Michigan State, Maryland, and Rutgers, the Hokies were involved in his recruitment before he committed to Penn State.
The three-star from Washington, D.C., according to 247Sports, plays at Gonzaga High School, and the 6-foot-4, 215-pound Harley announced his commitment to Franklin and Penn State in early July. He took a visit during June's recruiting trips, and Franklin would be wise to see if Harley is open to flipping and remaining closer to home.
Elijah Littlejohn, LB
This is a name that should sound familiar to Virginia Tech fans who have paid attention to recruiting. Littlejohn received an offer from Pry and his staff. The 6-foot-4 Charlotte, North Carolina native is a four-star recruit according to 247Sports.
Chris Ivins of 247Sports projected him as a multi-year contributor and possible impact player at the Power Four level that can be positioned across a defense. SEC schools will likely get involved with him along with Georgia Tech, but a connection to Franklin could help the Hokies.
Messiah Mickens, RB
One thing that Franklin was able to recruit at Penn State was skilled position players on offense. A four-star, Mickens was one of Franklin's first commits in the Class of 2026 cycle, and the 5-foot-10 Harrisburg native also held an offer from Virginia Tech.
A bruising back, Mickens will be sought-after by some of college football's biggest programs, including some SEC schools. He has some visits coming up, but if Virginia Tech can get across the finish line with Franklin, Mickens is someone who would be a tremendous fit in Blacksburg.