Fresh off the Penn State exit, former Nittany Lions head coach James Franklin popped up at the Old Dominion–Troy matchup. But while he was there supporting his two former colleagues from Happy Valley, reporters forced the former PSU coach to clarify his interest in the Virginia Tech job.

“Prior to kickoff here at ODU, I asked James Franklin about his interest in #Hokies. He was friendly, polite, and declined [to] comment,” college sports reporter David Teel writes on X. “Said he is here to support two coaches — Monarchs’ Ricky Rahne and Troy’s Gerad Parker, who worked for him at Penn State.”

Franklin was heavily pulled for the Hokies job with a standing of 50% to sit at the helm, a role once held by Brent Pry. But now, other programs like Arkansas are pulling harder towards Franklin with a 52% edge. 

Franklin was present at ODU because Week 12 featured his two former Penn State assistants, Ricky Rahne and Gerad Parker, coaching against each other. Franklin brought Rahne on to coach quarterbacks and tight ends, and Rahne eventually worked his way up to offensive coordinator at Penn State before heading out to take the Old Dominion head-coaching job. And Parker, a longtime friend whom Franklin hired as WR coach, both have deep ties to him. So one can only imagine how difficult it was for Franklin even to choose a side. And that is definitely not the place to be asking for a comment on a speculated job role.

But would he consider the Hokies’ job? Virginia Tech might benefit from fast recruiting if James Franklin decides on it. How? Three Penn State commits who originally pledged under Franklin might flip their loyalties and jump on board in Blacksburg. questions about another job.

First up is Tyson Harley, a 6-foot-4 edge rusher from Gonzaga High in D.C.. Virginia Tech was already in the mix for Harley before he committed to Penn State in July. Then there’s Elijah Littlejohn, a 6-foot-4 linebacker from Charlotte, North Carolina. Littlejohn’s a solid four-star recruit. He has offers from SEC powerhouses and Georgia Tech, but Franklin’s familiarity might give the Hokies an edge in pulling him. Finally, Messiah Mickens, a bruising 5-foot-10 running back from Harrisburg, was one of Franklin’s first 2026 commits at Penn State. If Franklin comes, these three could tag along to Blacksburg.

But the Hokies can rest on it for a bit, as James Franklin is already eyeing a different spot for himself.

James Franklin’s Tallahassee temptation

For weeks, James Franklin and Virginia Tech have been circling each other, sending signals that a deal might happen soon. But it looks much trickier than you think. Franklin isn’t rushing. He’s playing the market, keeping his options open for a bigger prize. And that prize is Florida State’s job. But the crossroads is Mike Norvell, whose $72.2M buyout isn’t giving the FSU front office any breathing room.

But why the wait? Franklin knows that Florida State has deep pockets and serious clout. Norvell’s contract averages over $10 million a year, including bonuses coming along with playoffs, championships, and more. These numbers far surpass Franklin’s Penn State deal, which was already a lucrative $8 million annually on average. Florida State’s commitment to NIL deals, staff budgets, and proper facilities puts coaches in the perfect spot to produce results.

For Franklin, it’s the environment he’s always said he needs to “win at the highest level.” But that 85% financial buyout from Norvell’s contract is what’s been a roadblock. Any coaching change would be huge news and could open the door for Franklin to negotiate a contract even richer than what he had at Penn State.