James Franklin triggers rival fanbases with new swag during Virginia Tech workouts

When James Franklin was hired at Virginia Tech as the next football coach, it signaled changes on the horizon. Fired from Penn State in October, you knew that Franklin wasn't going to be unemployed for long. As soon as he became available, the Virginia Tech search committee pounced and, in mid-November, they got their guy.

There is a different feeling surrounding the program with the roster overhaul and some of the additions Franklin made to his coaching staff. Maybe the biggest one is bringing back Pry to Virginia Tech three months after he was fired to be his defensive coordinator, the same position he held at Penn State before coming to Blacksburg to replace Justin Fuente.

As soon as Franklin was hired, he hit the ground running in recruiting and retaining players from the current roster, and then added through the Transfer Portal. Times are certainly changing around the program, and earlier this week, Franklin broke out a new sweatshirt that is sending a message to the rest of the ACC.

James Franklin sends ACC message

Franklin broke out a hoodie this week during Virginia Tech's workouts, and it went viral quickly. It said, "Virginia Tech Football RE-EST 2026". As you can imagine, it struck a nerve with Penn State fans who just can't seem to let go of the fact that Franklin was fired. I mean, most of them were calling for it, but apparently, it makes them feel better trolling him all the way to Blacksburg.

Anyway, if you have been paying attention, then this type of hire and excitement around the program has been a long time coming for Virginia Tech. Long gone are the Frank Beamer days, but you have to think that Franklin will get Virginia Tech back to national relevance. Playing in the ACC will certainly help speed that up, but it won't happen overnight.

Franklin needs time to make his mark on the program in terms of recruiting and nailing recruiting once again in the DMV. Virginia Tech is on its way to being back, and any fanbase that finds this funny is just in denial that things are quickly turning the corner in Blacksburg with the Hokies football program.