Virginia Tech Hokies Rise with New Coach James Franklin

The Virginia Tech Hokies could begin the 2026 season as a top 25 team, thanks to the hire of James Franklin and an influx of talent through the transfer portal and a top 25 recruiting class.

What's behind the optimism?

The Hokies have a chance to be a real factor in the ACC Championship race in Franklin's first year in Blacksburg.

Athlon Sports placed Virginia Tech at No. 30 nationally, signaling expectations of a significant rebound after last year's disappointing 3-9 campaign.

Fair ranking?

The ranking reflects a program that looks dramatically different from the one that struggled through 2025.

New coach James Franklin is one of the offseason's top hires, bringing a proven track record of building winning teams and competing at a high level.

Key additions

The transfer portal has also played a major role in reshaping the Hokies' outlook, with quarterback Ethan Grunkemeyer and tight end Luke Reynolds arriving with high expectations.

Grunkemeyer is expected to elevate the offense and provide stability at the game's most important position.

Reynolds gives Virginia Tech another significant boost, expected to become a focal point of the passing attack.

What comes next?

The combination of Franklin's leadership, experienced returning talent, and impactful transfer additions creates a compelling case for improvement.

While climbing from a three-win season to national relevance is no easy task, Athlon Sports believes the ingredients are in place for Virginia Tech to take a substantial step forward.

The Hokies possess a real possibility of starting the season 4-0, and bowl eligibility could become a realistic expectation.

A No. 30 ranking does not place the Hokies among the preseason favorites to contend for a national championship, but it does position them firmly in the conversation as one of college football's most intriguing turnaround candidates.

If Franklin can quickly establish his culture and the newcomers deliver as expected, Virginia Tech could emerge as one of the biggest success stories of the 2026 season.

The second-half schedule presents challenges, but Virginia Tech should be significantly more competitive on a weekly basis.

With 14 returning starters, the Hokies are primed for a big-time turnaround after a 3-9 mark last year.

Franklin's arrival was widely regarded as one of the most impactful coaching moves of the offseason.

The Hokies' outlook is dramatically different from the one that struggled through 2025.