
First-Year Coaches Shape 2026 College Football Roster Grades
Analysts are evaluating how much talent first-year head coaches have assembled for the upcoming 2026 season, with Ole Miss topping the early grades.
Latest Slidescroller coverage mentioning James Franklin across Football.

Analysts are evaluating how much talent first-year head coaches have assembled for the upcoming 2026 season, with Ole Miss topping the early grades.

The Atlantic Coast Conference’s annual kickoff event in Charlotte brings together 17 head coaches and over 50 top student‑athletes, setting the stage for a season marked by depth, tradition and national relevance.

A look at the latest commitments, state‑by‑state breakthroughs and the growing influence of name, image and likeness deals on the next generation of quarterbacks.

Terry Smith reflected on the Pinstripe Bowl as the pinnacle of his coaching journey, celebrating a hard‑won win and a heartfelt gift, while the team looks toward a new era under Matt Campbell.

A look at how a combination of professional ambition and hometown support convinced defensive mastermind Brent Pry to remain at Virginia Tech as defensive coordinator.

After surprising dismissals at Penn State and Virginia Tech, James Franklin secured the services of defensive coordinator Brent Pry, whose deep roots in the community and shared history with Franklin have reignited optimism in Blacksburg.

Virginia Tech's 2026 football calendar blends manageable non‑conference games with a rugged ACC road trip that tests even the most seasoned roster.

The 2026 slate for Penn State sidesteps several recent powerhouses, giving the Nittany Lions a comparatively gentle path through the conference.

Virginia Tech is targeting Florida Atlantic’s athletic director Brian White to replace Whit Babcock, with a deal expected before the 2026 football season.

Virginia Tech will face Old Dominion on September 12 in a matchup that could define the early season trajectory for both teams, with new coaches, transferred quarterbacks and a predicted 35‑21 outcome.

A 2026 quarterback recruit arrives in Blacksburg with a strong Penn State background, poised to reshape the Hokies' offense under Coach James Franklin.

After a promising stint at Penn State and a recruitment link to new head coach James Franklin, Grunkemeyer is slated to stabilize Virginia Tech's offense and lead a talented supporting cast back to contention.

Virginia Tech opens its 2026 football season against VMI on September 5, featuring a revamped coaching staff, a promising quarterback transfer, and key returning players, while VMI seeks to rebound from consecutive losing seasons.

As the ACC expands to a nine-game conference slate, Virginia Tech is weighing a handful of non-conference foes that promise regional rivalries, recruiting benefits and television appeal.

Virginia's 2027 football recruiting class currently ranks 59th nationally, but a surge of in‑state commitments and strategic coaching under Tony Elliott hint at a promising trajectory.

With a new head coach, a massive roster overhaul and a demanding opening slate, Virginia Tech is poised for a pivotal 2026 campaign.

Khalil Taylor, a top‑ranked wide receiver, is set to announce his college commitment on July 6 after a highly anticipated visit to Nebraska, a move that has Penn State coaches on edge.

After a 4-8 debut season, Bill Belichick aims to rebuild the University of North Carolina program, leveraging top recruits and a high-profile rematch against TCU in Ireland to rewrite his legacy.

A Virginia On SI writer predicts a challenging 2026 campaign for the Hokies, projecting a 6‑6 overall record and outlining the tough ACC schedule they face.

James Franklin, the newly appointed head coach at Virginia Tech, has quickly transformed the program's recruiting landscape, securing top‑25 and top‑15 classes and positioning the Hokies among the top ten for the 2027 recruiting cycle.

Virginia Tech’s new head coach James Franklin has quickly elevated the program’s recruiting standing, landing top transfer portal classes and climbing to No. 2 among ACC coaches according to Andy Staples.

A growing trend sees coaches and quarterbacks relocate as a unit, reshaping program building and player movement.

Analyst Tom Fornelli outlines five teams poised to exceed expectations in 2026, highlighting coaching changes, schedule advantages, and roster depth.

An early look at the 2026 ACC football outlook, highlighting teams projected for success, those battling quarterback issues, and the storylines that will define the season.