Virginia Tech students share reactions to Franklin hiring

BLACKSBURG, Va. (WFXR) — Virginia Tech football wanted a fresh start after the firing of Brent Pry in September. Hokies fans think they have that and then some in the form of new head coach James Franklin.

Franklin has proved he can win, racking up a record of 125 wins and 57 losses in 14 full seasons as head coach at Vanderbilt and Penn State. Hokies fans hope that success continues in Blacksburg.

"James Franklin has a lot of experience at Penn State," freshman Accounting major Sean Posillico said. "I think it was just a fluke year, and they did him dirty by firing him, so I think it was a good pickup by us."

"Both games I’ve gone to, we’ve lost pretty badly," freshman Engineering major Xander Tabadero said. "I’m hoping I can finally watch a win this time."

Virginia Tech has not played for an ACC Championship since 2016, but after the Franklin hire, some fans think that can change as early as next year.

"I think they’ll have a pretty successful season," freshman Politics, Philosophy and Economics major Thomas Ferguson said. "My prediction is nine wins at least."

"I got us at 10 wins," freshman Health and Exercise Science major Andrew Farrar said. "I think he’s going to go crazy in the portal, big recruiting connections up north, he’s a guy that can get guys here, new budget, and we can pay people to come play, and it’s going to be a great time next year."

Others hope Franklin uses next year to build the program for consistent success.

"I know building a program can take a while, so hopefully we take baby steps," freshman Engineering major Christopher Vrtis said. "This year we’re probably not going to get into a bowl, but next year, hopefully we can get that bowl game."

While some fans believe they can compete for the College Football Playoff and possibly their first national championship, most hope the Franklin era will go better than Pry.

"I don’t think it can go much worse," Vrtis said. "I’m excited to see the energy (Franklin) brings."

Some even said this is the best coaching hire since Frank Beamer.