After James Franklin was hired at Virginia Tech, the narrative surrounding the Hokies' football program changed. When Frank Beamer retired, two hires by athletic director Whit Babcock felt like they set the program back more than fans could have imagined.
First, Justin Fuente was hired, and he was fired in November 2021. At that time, Babcock turned to Penn State defensive coordinator Brent Pry for his next coach. After four underwhelming years where things slowly went south, he was fired after a 0-3 start to the 2025 season.
After two failed hires, the third time since Beamer retired needed to be the charm. Babcock was not part of the interview process, and a search committee was hired. In teh end, just over a month after Franklin was fired at Penn State, he was hired as the Hokies' next head coach.
ACC Network analayst has message for James Franklin at Virginia Tech
Changes have happened and happened quickly for Virginia Tech since Franklin was hired in November. The roster went through an overhaul and an influx of talent, with some retention, has hopes high with the fanbase.
One big question about the Hokies in Year 1 under Franklin is just how many games they can win. Some believe that they can win quickly, and some believe that it might take some time. Then there are some right in the middle.
ACC Network analyst Eric MacLain and former Virginia Tech wide receiver Eddie Royal were on the ACC Network and discussed Franklin's upcoming first season in Blacksburg. MacLain had a rather strong take on what needs to happen if not in 2026, but by 2027 at the latest.
"One must, maybe quite season one, but by season two for sure, you have got to protect Blacksburg,'' said MacLain. "That place has to get back to being a place, first of all, you don't want to go, second of all, when you're there, you're terrified. Those fans have brought it for years and years. We've been doing this since 2019. I have been to that place and have been blown away by the support, by the loudness, by how packed it is. No matter if they're bad, average, or kind of good, they've been there. What's it look like when they're great?"
Look, MacLain is right about one thing, Virginia Tech fans have always brought it, no matter how good they have been. Under Franklin, it wouldn't be surrpising to see him turn them into a contender in the ACC rather quickly. Defending Lane Stadium is a must. Defending it under Franklin shouldn't take long if all goes as planned.
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