Virginia Tech head coach James Franklin could derail Penn State's recruiting efforts in 2026. (Mandatory Credit: Brian Bishop-Imagn Images)
This time last year, it looked like Penn State Football would be well positioned to sign a top 10 class in the 2026 recruiting cycle. That will not be the case. Since firing James Franklin, all but one Penn State commit has reopened their recruitment. A major threat now looms at Virginia Tech.
With James Franklin taking the job at Virginia Tech, the tough recruiting times may only get tougher.
This weekend, Virginia Tech is set to host multiple former Nittany Lions commits.
That could prove to put the final nail in the coffin for a tumultuous month of recruiting.
How James Franklin can Destroy Penn State’s 2026 Recruiting Efforts
James Franklin is poised to flip several prospects to Virginia Tech.
The headliner is Matt Sieg.
Sieg is a WPIAL record-setting Safety who was locked in with the Nittany Lions up until James Franklin being fired.
Sieg is a top 150 prospect and one of the darlings of PSU’s 2026 class. Sieg has taken visits to Notre Dame, Pitt and now Virginia Tech. As things stand now, it doesn’t seem likely that Sieg could sign as a Nittany Lion.
Another blue-chipper who will visit Virginia Tech is Linebacker Mathieu Lamah.
Lamah is a Virginia native, and Virginia Tech was in on his recruitment over the summer.
However, Lamah was very happy to commit to Penn State this summer.
Just like Sieg, it does not look good for the Lions.
Lamah has told NittanyCentral that he plans to sign on early signing day. This almost entirely rules Penn State out. I would anticipate Virginia Tech and Rutgers battling it out for Lamah’s talents.
Coming all the way from California is Troy Huhn.
Huhn was a long-time Nittany Lion pledge who chose to back off of that pledge following James Franklin being fired. Huhn will visit Virginia Tech this weekend, and it seems like that will be his landing spot.
Three other former Penn State verbals headed to Blacksburg are Pierce Petersohn, Benjamin Eziuka, and Marlen Bright. Options for these three seem to be less open. Petersohn could wind up back at Penn State if they nail the head coach hire. However, it seems like slim odds that Penn State could retain any of these three prospects.
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What Penn State can do to turn the tide on the trail
By the time next week rolls around, there’s a big chance that several former Penn State commits to have flipped to Virginia Tech.
Penn State is operating at such a disadvantage right now.
Penn State has almost no momentum, no vision to sell, and very little buzz around the program right now. James Franklin and Virginia Tech have the exact opposite.
Blacksburg is buzzing, and they have tons of momentum on the trail.
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The other advantage that James Franklin and Virginia Tech have is that they know everything about these prospects. How much NIL was Penn State offering Troy Huhn? James Franklin knows.
Now, Franklin can simply offer a significantly higher number.
Franklin has also taken key staff members like Andy Frank, Rashad Elby, Chris Mahon, and a few others. They already have a solid recruiting staff down there.
Right now, James Franklin has nearly every advantage over Penn State on the recruiting trail.
If things go according to Franklin’s plan, this weekend could be the final nail in the Penn State class of 2026 coffin.
Penn State Coaching Search Hot Board Narrows: Who’s Still in the Running After Major Extensions?
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Ian Purdy covers Penn State Football Recruiting for NittanyCentral.
Purdy was born and raised in central Ohio and served for four years writing for his high school's newsletter. Currently studying Biblical Studies at Lancaster Bible College in Pennsylvania, Ian has been a lifelong Nittany Lion fan.
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