James Franklin was hired by Virginia Tech in November, ushering in a new era for the Hokies' football program. His arrival sparked immediate optimism among fans and analysts alike.
Franklin quickly turned a recruiting class that had been ranked in the hundreds into a top‑25 group by December, showcasing his ability to attract elite talent.
In January, he bolstered the roster with a strong transfer portal class, highlighted by his former Penn State quarterback Ethan Grunkemeyer, who is expected to compete for the starting role.
Since March, Franklin has been shaping the 2027 recruiting class, already securing 13 verbal commitments. Among those pledges is Peter Bourque, one of the country's top quarterback prospects, who has committed to the Hokies for the upcoming cycle.
Decision Day Looms
The next focal point is offensive lineman Kaden Buchanan, a four‑star recruit from Lebanon, Tennessee, who will announce his college decision on Monday at 2:00 p.m. ET during a live broadcast on the CBS Sports YouTube channel. Buchanan is considering Virginia Tech, Kentucky, and North Carolina State as his finalists.
If Buchanan chooses the Hokies, he would become the first offensive line commit in the 2027 class, a milestone that could further cement Franklin's impact on the program's future.