Think this guy is hungry to make a splash moving forward for Virginia Tech football? James Franklin was just hired by the Hokies and he has wasted no time in reaching out to prospects. It shouldn't be a surprise too that his early focus has been on Penn State commits.
James Franklin quickly attempting to flip class of 2026 Penn State recruit to Virginia Tech
Earlier in the day, we wrote about Franklin and Virginia Tech being in contact with linebacker Mathieu Lamah, who committed to Penn State back on May 5. He did so with Franklin still in Happy Valley. Now, there's another Penn State commit Franklin is eyeing, as he just extended a new offer to offensive lineman Benjamin Eziuka. Not only that, but he'll also be taking an official visit to Virginia Tech this weekend according to Rivals' Greg Smith.
James Franklin is now trying to flip Penn State commit Benjamin Eziuka
A Michigan product, Eziuka committed to the Nittany Lions and Franklin in June, but obviously a lot has changed there. Terry Smith is currently serving as the interim coach for Penn State, but no one knows who is going to take over as the full-time coach.
Will Brian Hartline make the move from Columbus to Happy Valley? Could the Nittany Lions make a splash hire out of nowhere that none of us saw coming? Again, it's unknown how things are going to shape out there, but the uncertainty likely doesn't sit well with the guys who are currently Penn State-bound.
Could this open the door for Franklin to indeed flip multiple commits? Not only that, but Franklin could look to add some Penn State players who decide to enter the transfer portal in the winter and re-join him down in ACC country.
Franklin and Penn State started off the season 3-0, but then he was fired after a three-game losing streak. It didn't take long for him to find a new place to call home, but the fact that he's now trying to raid the Penn State 2026 class is quite telling. Franklin is out for revenge and it might not take long for him to hand the Nittany Lions some rough news out on the recruiting trail.