The James Franklin era at Virginia Tech has started. Fifteen days after being hired as the next football coach, Franklin has hit the ground running in recruiting in the Class of 2026. He has flipped several recruits from his previous stop at Penn State and from the SEC and Big Ten. There is surely more to come.
Here is a list of every player who has signed so far with the Hokies:
1. Marlen Bright: OL
SIGNED| 6'7", 290 LB | DePaul Catholic High School |Wayne, NJ | Composite Four Star
Marlen Bright was one of the handful of flips Franklin got from Penn State as he builds an offensive line in the trenches for a program that has struggled to build over the last couple of years.
2. Messiah Mickens: RB
SIGNED| 5'10", 210 RB | Harrisburg High School |Harrisburg, PA | Composite Four Star
Franklin's first commit at Virginia Tech was talented running back Messiah Mickens, who had previously committed to Penn State. He is a playmaker who should contribute next season in what could be a deep running back room.
3. Roseby Lubintus: OL
SIGNED| 6'5", 330 OL | Timber Creek High School |Sicklerville, NJ | Composite Three Star
Offensive lineman Roseby Lubintus is another talented offensive lineman who is following Franklin from Penn State to Virginia Tech.
4. Davion Brown: WR
SIGNED| 6'1", 195 WR | Trinity Episcopal High School |Richmond, VA | Composite Four Star
Wide receiver Davion Brown picked the Hokies, and like Mickens at the running back position, Brown is someone who could come in and help as soon as next fall.
5. Buddy Wegdam: OL
SIGNED| 6'6", 280 OL | Woodberry Forest High School |Woodberry Forest, VA | Composite Three Star
One of the few Brent Pry commits, offensive lineman Buddy Wegdam, is another offensive lineman who is sticking around to play for Franklin.
6. Kamren Johnson: DL
SIGNED| 6'4", 225 DL | Green Run High School |Virginia Tech, VA | Composite Three Star
Another commit to Pry, edge Kamren Johnson, is one of the in-state recruits who is deciding to stay home and play for the Hokies. The Green Run to Virginia Tech connection continues to remain strong.
7. Pierce Petersohn: TE
SIGNED| 6'5", 195 TE | Triton School |Dodge City, MN | Composite Four Star
Tight end Pierce Petersohn was a Thanksgiving night commit to Franklin at Virginia Tech. He visited on Nov. 22, and the tight end position was a struggle for the Hokies in recruiting before Franklin landed in Blacksburg.
8. John-Patrick Oates: LB
SIGNED| 6'3", 223 LB | La Salle College |Wyndmoor, PA | Composite Three Star
Franklin flipped James Madison commit John-Patrick Oates on Wednesday morning. He visited over this past weekend, was offered on Monday, and committed right before the early signing period began.
9. Maddox Cochrane: OL
SIGNED| 6'7", 280 OL | La Salle College |Benedictine, VA | Composite Three Star
Offensive lineman Maddox Cochrane was once a Wisconsin commit and decided to stay home and play for the Hokies after committing. The trenches continue to get better for Virginia Tech.
10. Will Love: K
SIGNED| 6'2", 205 K | Spartanburg High School |Spartanburg, SC | Composite Three Star
Younger brother of John, Will Love, confirmed his commitment to the Hokies and made it official on Wednesday morning. Another kicker into the program.
11. Tyrell Simpson: OL
SIGNED| 6'7", 310 OL | North Brunswick High School |Leland, NC | Composite Three Star
It can't be said enough, the offensive line was a priority this recruiting cycle, and it's showing. Tyrell Simpson was a commit under Pry and remains committed under Franklin.
12. Garrett Witherington: Edge
SIGNED| 6'5", 290 DL | Briarwood Christian High School |Birmingham, AL | Composite Three Star
Franklin was able to flip three-star edge Garrett Witherington from Kentucky to Virginia Tech, adding another talented defensive lineman.
13. Troy Huhn: QB
SIGNED| 6'5", 215 QB | Mission Hills High School |San Marcos, CA | Composite Four Star
Another former Penn State commit, quarterback Troy Huhn, committed to Franklin and Virginia Tech on Monday, making the move from California to Virginia for his college career.
14. Thomas Wilder: OL
SIGNED| 6'6", 295 OL | Green Run High School |Virginia Beach, VA | Composite Four Star
After committing to the Hokies and then de-committing, Thomas Wilder recommitted to Franklin and Virginia Tech and is another key offensive line recruit.
15. Zaevion Cleveland: CB
SIGNED| 6'4", 187 CB | Green Run High School |Virginia Beach, VA | Composite Three Star
Another commit under Pry, cornerback Zaevion Cleveland is staying home to play for Franklin.
16. Mathieu Lamah: LB
SIGNED| 6'3", 220 LB | Patriot School |Nokesville, VA | Composite Three Star
Another in-state recruit, Mathieu Lamah, Franklin plucked another former Penn State commit to join him in Blacksburg. He is building a big class on both sides of the ball.
17. Tyson Harley: DL
SIGNED| 6'4", 215 DL | Gonzaga |Washington, DC| Composite Four Star
Another Penn State flip, Tyson Harley is another addition to the defensive line.
18. Amouri Polydor: CB
SIGNED| 6'1", 170 CB | St. Francis Academy |Baltimore, MD| Composite Three Star
Yet another Penn State commit that, like other fellow commits, flipped to Virginia Tech is Amouri Polydor.
19. Tyrell Grant, Jr.: Athlete
SIGNED| 6'1", 190 ATH | Nansemond River High School|Suffolk, VA| Composite Three Star
Tyrell Grant, Jr. flipped from Syracuse to Virginia Tech to remain in the Commonwealth for his college career.