James Franklin Asserts Virginia Tech Dominated the Offseason – Is the Claim Valid?

James Franklin’s transition to Virginia Tech has emerged as one of the most compelling storylines of the college football offseason, and at his first ACC Media Days appearance, the former Penn State coach quickly amplified expectations for his new program.

“We’ve been moving quickly since arriving in Blacksburg,” Franklin told reporters in Charlotte, N.C., on Wednesday. “I would describe it as having won the offseason.”

That bold claim raises the question: Is Franklin correct?

There is no doubt the Hokies enjoyed a strong offseason, and Franklin can build on his track record at Vanderbilt and Penn State.

Ethan Grunkemeyer, who transferred from Penn State, is now Virginia Tech’s starting quarterback. Talented tight end Luke Reynolds, along with a dozen other transfers who left Happy Valley, have joined Franklin in Blacksburg. Receiver transfer Que’Sean Brown recorded 64 receptions for 846 yards and five touchdowns at Duke in 2025, while cornerback transfer Jaquez White earned second‑team All‑Sun Belt honors last fall.

“We’ve had an excellent offseason in establishing our standards, expectations, and culture,” Franklin added on Wednesday. “We are larger, stronger, and faster than ever before. There’s no doubt about that.”

Virginia Tech’s transfer class was ranked No. 20 in The Athletic’s top‑25 transfer portal list, placing it fourth in the ACC behind Miami (fifth), Louisville (14th), and Cal (15th).

Although Franklin secured six four‑star blue‑chip recruits late in the 2026 recruiting cycle—including four‑star quarterback Troy Huhn, who had committed to him at Penn State—Virginia Tech finished at No. 30 in the 247Sports Composite recruiting rankings.

For these reasons, it is difficult to declare the Hokies the offseason’s outright winner, especially given that other programs that hired new coaches—such as LSU, Florida, Michigan, and Oklahoma State—also made notable impacts.

Franklin also provides a cautionary example. Last offseason, Penn State emerged as a major success story. The Nittany Lions, fresh off a College Football Playoff semifinal appearance, retained most of their key veterans and used the portal to address their primary weakness—a lack of receivers.

The Nittany Lions were ranked No. 2 in the preseason AP Top 25 and harbored national championship aspirations. They hosted Oregon in a primetime top‑10 matchup, fell in double overtime, and two weeks later, Franklin was dismissed, ending his 11‑year tenure at Penn State.

LSU also generated considerable buzz last offseason before collapsing dramatically, resulting in Brian Kelly’s dismissal and Lane Kiffin’s hiring.

Thus, despite Franklin’s claim that Virginia Tech won the offseason, he acknowledged that such statements hold limited significance at present.

“All of that sounds great and makes a compelling sound bite,” he said. “The reality is we must ensure these improvements translate to the season and that we play a style and brand that would make legendary former coach Frank Beamer proud.”

Although Virginia Tech did not truly win the offseason, the ACC is wide open, with Miami—fresh from a national championship game—serving as the preseason favorite and possessing the conference’s greatest talent.

SMU is strong but not a juggernaut. Clemson is confronting an existential crisis under coach Dabo Swinney. Florida State has struggled in recent seasons, and coach Mike Norvell is fighting for his job. Every other ACC program has its own shortcomings.

While Franklin’s declaration may not have been entirely accurate, the offseason has been positive for the Hokies, as they took steps toward competing in the ACC and raised expectations closer to the level the program requires.

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