Virginia Tech’s football program has taken a decisive step forward under new head coach James Franklin, who left Penn State in December to take the helm at the Blacksburg campus. Franklin’s arrival has reignited a long‑standing recruiting rivalry with his former employer, a competition that has already begun to reshape the 2027 national rankings.
Early June saw Virginia Tech leapfrog Penn State in the 247Sports Composite rankings, climbing to No. 6 nationally after securing three four‑star commitments. The Hokies now sit ahead of the Nittany Lions, who remain tenth overall and third in the Big Ten, as both schools battle for the same pool of elite prospects.
Franklin’s personal history with Penn State adds an extra layer of intensity. He has spoken openly about feeling unfairly treated during his final season in State College, a sentiment that fuels his drive to out‑recruit the program that once employed him. In doing so, he has imported a wave of familiar talent, bringing former Nittany Lions staff members and players to Virginia Tech.
A Personal Vendetta Fuels a New Rivalry
The impact is measurable. Virginia Tech now boasts 22 verbal commitments, one more than Penn State’s 21 after defensive back Semajay Robinson flipped to the Hokies. The highest‑rated recruit in Franklin’s class is quarterback Peter Bourque, ranked 80th nationally, while Penn State’s top prospect, defensive lineman Stanley Montgomery, sits at 65th. Both coaches have leveraged their networks to attract top talent from states such as Maryland, Iowa and Utah.
Matt Campbell, head coach at Penn State, emphasizes a measured approach, focusing on recruiting the right fit rather than chasing rankings. His staff has also made strategic moves, signing 24 of the 40 transfers from the 2025 Cyclones and retaining ten recruits who originally pledged to him at Iowa State. The recruiting battle is expected to intensify through the December signing period, with both programs poised to make further inroads.
Franklin’s recruitment of Maryland’s McDonogh School defensive lineman Joseph Buchanan illustrates his willingness to target specific high schools that have previously yielded talent for both programs. Campbell’s 2027 class draws from a geographically diverse pool, including prospects from Pennsylvania, New Jersey and the Midwest, reflecting a deliberate strategy to build a balanced roster.
The competition extends beyond the field, influencing staff movements and transfer patterns. Eleven players who originally committed to Penn State ultimately signed with Franklin at Virginia Tech, while Campbell’s own transfers from the Cyclones highlight the fluidity of modern college football recruiting.