James Franklin Emerges as Front-Runner for Virginia Tech Coaching Spot

BLACKSBURG, Virginia — As the college football coaching carousel spins into high gear, former Penn State head coach James Franklin has emerged as a leading candidate for the Virginia Tech coaching position for the 2026 season.

Prediction market Kalshi currently lists Franklin as the favorite, with a 69 percent probability of taking over the Hokies program, significantly ahead of other candidates like Bob Chesney, the head coach at James Madison, who has a 12 percent chance, and South Florida‘s Alex Golesh at 10 percent.

The match between Franklin and Virginia Tech seems logical. Franklin has built strong recruiting ties in the Mid-Atlantic region, crucial for a team that relies heavily on local talent. Recently, Virginia Tech has increased its football program funding, including investments in its NIL programs and facilities, signaling a committed effort to compete at a higher level.

With a passionate fan base and expectations that may be more realistic than those in the SEC, Virginia Tech could provide Franklin a chance to rebuild his coaching legacy. Despite a rough recent season, Franklin has a successful track record, including leading Penn State to a College Football Playoff berth and achieving at least 10 wins in six seasons.

Fox Sports analyst Joel Klatt noted, “He will definitely coach again, and he will have success.” Klatt acknowledged Franklin’s ability to elevate a program, despite past struggles against top-tier teams like Michigan and Ohio State.

Others in the sports media, including USA Today’s Paul Myerberg, echoed Klatt’s sentiments, describing Franklin as capable of revitalizing Virginia Tech’s football fortunes. “He could reverse the program’s decade-plus malaise,” Myerberg stated.

However, some insiders like Andy Staples from On3 Sports are skeptical about the mutual interest between Franklin and Virginia Tech. “If he thought his best option was Virginia Tech, he would have already taken it,” Staples commented during a recent broadcast.

While speculation continues, the future coaching landscape remains uncertain for Franklin and Virginia Tech. The ongoing coaching search will likely see additional developments as other programs reassess their own coaching situations.