James Franklin’s Virginia Tech Move Disrupts Penn State’s Week
Penn State faces new challenges as James Franklin’s recent appointment as head coach at Virginia Tech has disrupted the team’s preparations for an upcoming game against Nebraska.
Impact on Penn State Football
With Franklin moving to Virginia Tech, interim head coach Terry Smith must navigate significant changes. He has begun restructuring the coaching staff after several members left to join Franklin in Blacksburg.
- Andrew Frank, general manager of personnel and recruitment
- Kevin Threlkel, chief of staff
- Caleb Tyler, director of recruiting content
- Aeneas Hawkins, assistant director of player advancement
- Chris Mahon and Karsyn Kehler, recruiting staffers
As of midweek, nine staff members previously associated with Penn State are no longer listed in the athletic department’s directory. Smith acknowledged the difficulties this presents as the team prepares for their game against Nebraska at Beaver Stadium.
Terry Smith’s Response
In light of these changes, Smith expressed his commitment to ensuring that the team’s operations continue smoothly. He stated, “We have a great staff here. We’ve just got to restructure and make sure that those job responsibilities are being taken care of.”
Recruitment Competition between Penn State and Virginia Tech
Franklin’s transition to Virginia Tech is also creating a competitive edge in recruiting. He has started reaching out to recruits, including top players from Virginia and those already committed to Penn State for the 2026 season.
Troy Huhn, a four-star quarterback who recently decommitted from Penn State, is among those looking to visit Virginia Tech soon.
Response from the Football Community
Smith acknowledges the urgency of maintaining stability within the locker room amidst this recruiting turbulence. “The immediate threat is to take Penn State players,” he said.
He also noted the importance of protecting the team’s morale as the coaching situation remains unsettled.
Long-Term Outlook for Penn State
Despite the upheaval, many within the Penn State community continue to support Smith as a candidate for a permanent coaching position. He remains focused on the upcoming game against Nebraska, which is set for a 7 p.m. ET kickoff.
The current staff is committed to ensuring the players remain focused on performance, with an emphasis on resilience in the face of adversity. “I’m just proud of those guys,” Smith concluded.
