C+
Franklin + portal talent can flip 3–9, but chemistry risk keeps it mid-ACC
Atlantic · 2026
Virginia Tech
2025 record 3–9 2–6 conference
Postseason No bowl
Head coach James Franklin Year 1
Scheme Multiple / 4-2-5
B
Portal #4; strong volume and Penn State familiarity
C+
Numbers are much better; the depth chart is early and heavily unproven together
Market odds
Yes 0.00%
No 0.00%
Yes 0.00%
No 0.00%
Yes 0.00%
No 0.00%
Recruiting ranks
Overall #5 49 commits · 259.06 pts
Portal #4 27 commits· avg 86.48
Roster notes
Franklin Year-1 is portal-forward on an early chart
QB Ethan Grunkemeyer over Bryce Baker; RBs Marcellous Hawkins / Bill Davis; WRs Marlion Jackson / Ayden Greene / Que’Sean Brown; TE Benji Gosnell / Luke Reynolds; mixed OL (Johnny Garrett, Kyle Altuner, Montavious Cunningham)
Mylachi Williams / Elhadj Fall / Kemari Copeland / Curtis Jones Jr.; Keon Wylie / Noah Chambers; Thomas Williams / Cam Chadwick; Quentin Reddish / Tyson Flowers / Sherrod Covil; Isaiah Brown-Murray
Key offense
- 01 Ethan Grunkemeyer QB
- Penn State → VT
- 2025 (regular season) role was limited
- listed LDE1 with limited proven production
- 02 Marcellous Hawkins RB
- 2025 (regular season) VT: 118 carries, 749 yds, 1 rushing TD
- receiving line has a minor source split — treat exact receiving yards as soft
- 03 Ayden Greene WR
- 2025 (regular season): 31 receptions, 516 yds, 3 TD, 16.6 YPC
- top returning receiver
Key defense
- 01 Keon Wylie LB
- Penn State → VT
- 2025 (incl. bowl): 28 tackles, 2.5 TFL, 1 sack
- 02 Quentin Reddish S
- 2025 (regular season): 15 tackles, 1 INT in 3 games before injury
- 03 Mylachi Williams DE
- Penn State → VT
- 2025 (regular season) role was limited
- The depth chart has him LDE1