James Franklin Faces High Expectations as Frank Beamer Standard Looms at Virginia Tech

CBS Sports analyst outlines the pressure on the new Hokies coach to quickly revive the program to its former glory.

Published on Feb. 11, 2026

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After being hired as the new head coach of the Virginia Tech Hokies in November 2025, James Franklin faces immense pressure to quickly turn around the struggling program. CBS Sports analyst John Talty outlined the high expectations for Franklin, noting that reaching 8 wins and making a bowl game would be considered a success in his first season, as the Hokies have not had sustained success since the Frank Beamer era. Franklin brought in a top-25 recruiting class and bolstered the roster through the transfer portal, raising optimism about the team's potential. However, the Hokies' schedule includes tough matchups against Clemson, SMU, and Miami in the second half of the season.

Why it matters

Virginia Tech has been one of the most consistent football programs in the ACC over the past few decades, but has fallen on hard times in recent years. The hiring of James Franklin, a proven program-builder, is seen as a chance to restore the Hokies to their former glory and recapture the success they enjoyed under legendary coach Frank Beamer. Franklin's ability to quickly turn the team around and meet high expectations will be closely watched, as the Hokies look to regain their status as an ACC powerhouse.

The details

After a disappointing 3-9 season in 2025 that led to the dismissal of former head coach Brent Pry, Virginia Tech hired James Franklin to take over the program. Franklin, who previously had success at Penn State, has already made a strong impact, bringing in a top-25 recruiting class and securing several key transfers to bolster the roster. CBS Sports analyst John Talty believes that reaching 8 wins and earning a bowl bid in Franklin's first season would be considered a success, given the high standards set by Beamer's tenure. However, the Hokies' schedule includes tough matchups against Clemson, SMU, and Miami in the second half of the season, which could make that goal challenging.

  • James Franklin was hired as the new head coach of the Virginia Tech Hokies in November 2025.
  • The Hokies finished the 2025 season with a 3-9 record, leading to the dismissal of former head coach Brent Pry.

The players

James Franklin

The new head coach of the Virginia Tech Hokies, hired in November 2025 to revive the struggling program.

Frank Beamer

The winningest coach in Virginia Tech history, leading the Hokies to four ACC championships during his 28-year career in Blacksburg.

Brent Pry

The former head coach of the Virginia Tech Hokies, who was dismissed midway through the 2025 season after the team finished with a 3-9 record.

John Talty

A CBS Sports analyst who outlined the high expectations facing James Franklin and the Virginia Tech Hokies in the upcoming season.

Cody Nagel

A CBS Sports reporter who projected the Virginia Tech Hokies to win 10 games in James Franklin's first season as head coach.

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What they’re saying

“I think you could say it's as low as making a bowl game. Looking at their schedule, looking at the talent they've brought in, I feel like eight wins is possible. I think it's feasible. I think that would keep the momentum going that he has right now. They finished strong on the recruiting trail, added some key pieces.”

— John Talty, CBS Sports analyst (CBS Sports)

“Bold prediction: James Franklin leads Hokies to 10 wins in Year 1. James Franklin arrives in Blacksburg with a chance to awaken a sleeping giant. The pieces are already in place for Virginia Tech to start fast, and the ACC schedule offers real opportunity for early momentum.”

— Cody Nagel, CBS Sports reporter (CBS Sports)

What’s next

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The takeaway

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