
James Franklin Eyes Redemption at ACC Media Days
At the ACC football media days, James Franklin discusses his recent move to Virginia Tech, the abrupt end of his Penn State career, and his determination to build a competitive program.
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At the ACC football media days, James Franklin discusses his recent move to Virginia Tech, the abrupt end of his Penn State career, and his determination to build a competitive program.

The ACC’s 2026 season promises fierce competition, led by Miami’s revamped roster and strategic coaching moves across the conference.

The latest Big Ten preseason media poll, released on July 27, placed Ohio State at the summit of the conference’s expectations, a position the Buckeyes have not held since their last conference crown in 2020, yet the poll comes on the heels of a national championship that the Buckeyes captured in 2024, underscoring a resurgence that has rekindled optimism among fans and analysts alike. Not far behind, the Indiana Hoosiers entered the rankings at third, a placement that reflects their own historic achievement: a first‑ever college football national title secured in the previous season, a milestone that has propelled the program into the conversation as a legitimate contender for another championship run. At the helm of Indiana’s resurgence is head coach Curt Cignetti, whose contract extends through 2033, a commitment that signals the university’s confidence in his ability to sustain momentum and build on the foundation laid by his inaugural triumph. Meanwhile, Penn State announced a new era under head coach Matt Campbell, who transitioned from a decade at Iowa State where he guided the Cyclones to an 11‑3 record in 2024 and concluded his tenure with a 72‑55 overall record, bringing a proven track record of resilience and strategic growth to the Nittany Lions as they aim to rebound from a 7‑6 finish in 2025. The broader implications of these shifts extend beyond individual programs, reshaping the competitive balance of the Big Ten and setting the stage for a season that could redefine traditional power structures, with Ohio State’s blend of championship pedigree and preseason favoritism, Indiana’s fresh confidence, and Penn State’s fresh leadership all poised to influence the narrative of college football’s premier conference.

New wide receiver coaches Micah Simon and Marques Hagans are set to inject toughness into Michigan’s offense, a shift that aligns with quarterback Bryce Underwood’s development and head coach Jason Beck’s vision as the team prepares for fall camp.
The Atlantic Coast Conference is betting on expansion and coaching changes to turn its historically middling profile into a playoff contender.

Last season’s top preseason contenders stumbled, and this year’s hype cycle faces new eligibility rules, financial strain, and the allure of fresh uniform designs, all while the sport debates a larger playoff expansion.

Coach Matt Campbell and key players Rocco Becht, Anthony Donkoh and Tony Rojas will join Penn State at the Big Ten Football Media Days in Chicago, marking a pivotal moment for the program as it navigates recent roster changes and a historic shift in conference dominance.

CBS Sports’ 2026 Hot‑Seat rankings reveal which college football coaches face the greatest pressure, highlighting a mix of perfect‑score warnings and surprising turnarounds

Virginia Tech will represent the ACC at the 2026 Kickoff media day in Charlotte, North Carolina, on July 17. Head Coach James Franklin, along with players Kemari Copeland, Tyson Flowers and Marcellous Hawkins, will appear on the ACC Network, where live interviews and a press conference are slated. The Hokies open their season against VMI on September 5 at Lane Stadium.

In a recent interview, former Nittany Lions quarterback Todd Blackledge discussed the program’s push for unity after James Franklin’s departure, the outreach efforts of new coach Matt Campbell, and the future of the ‘Success with Honor’ initiative.

After a 3‑9 record in 2025, Virginia Tech appoints James Franklin as head coach. With strategic transfers, a top‑25 recruiting class and several returning starters, the Hokies aim to win 7‑8 games and reclaim prominence in the ACC.

Virginia Tech’s 2025 collapse prompts a high‑profile rebuild headed by James Franklin, featuring key returning players and a top‑ranked recruiting class, with ambitions to win 7‑8 games and top a 6.5 FanDuel win total.

Using Bill Connelly's SP+ metric, ESPN forecasts the 2026 ACC order of finish, with Notre Dame projected first, Miami second, and Clemson third. The outlook includes notable matchups, new coaching directions, and returning standout players.

A recent survey maps the primary sports passions of the nation's leading colleges, revealing how football and basketball shape tradition, fan devotion and institutional pride across campuses from the East Coast to the West Coast.

After flipping his pledge from Penn State to Colorado, Jenkins looks to lead his team to another championship while showcasing his dual‑threat talents.

From the season‑opening clash with UCLA to the potential playoff‑contending showdown against SMU, Cal's 2026 slate offers a mix of historic rivalries, new coaching storylines and national spotlight moments.

A unanimous 5.0 rating places Florida State head coach Mike Norvell in the 'win or be fired' tier of the 2026 college football hot seat rankings, highlighting the pressure he faces as the Seminoles navigate a turbulent season.

After a standout college career and a sixth‑round NFL draft pick, Kobe King now faces an uncertain future on the New York Jets' injured reserve list.

At the Big Ten’s media day, Penn State’s new head coach and players outlined a program in flux, highlighting transfer portal moves, key returning talent and a revised approach to success.

Coach James Franklin declares the Hokies have won the offseason, promising a new blueprint that fuses contemporary strategy with Virginia Tech’s classic culture, while players Kemari Copeland and Tyson Flowers echo his focus on detail and presence. The team ranks fourth nationally in snap return and will open the season at home against VMI on September 5th.

Virginia Tech’s offseason overhaul, led by coach James Franklin and the return of defensive coordinator Brent Pry, promises greater physicality and versatility for the 2026 season

At the ACC Kickoff in Charlotte, Virginia Tech head coach James Franklin spoke about the program's direction, emphasizing a strong team identity, recruiting gains and the goal of sustained success.

At the ACC Kickoff in Charlotte, Virginia Tech’s new head coach James Franklin outlined the progress made during the offseason, from a top‑30 recruiting class to strategic transfers, while hinting at the work still ahead.

At the ACC Kickoff in Charlotte, Virginia Tech head coach James Franklin discussed the team's promising offseason, highlighted key recruits, and emphasized the work ahead as the Hokies prepare for a competitive season.