James Franklin, Virginia Tech Hokies flip major Notre Dame prospect

Virginia Tech head coach James Franklin. Brian Bishop-Imagn Images

James Franklin, Virginia Tech Hokies flip major Notre Dame prospect

By Andrew Kulha | Last updated Jun 15, 2026 9:14 PM ET

James Franklin became known in the college football world because of his abilities as a recruiter.

Before his stint with the Penn State Nittany Lions, Franklin was the head coach of the Vanderbilt Commodores. There, he developed a reputation for landing his guy on the recruiting trail.

That reputation followed him to Happy Valley, and it was one of the main reasons the Virginia Tech Hokies decided to hire him when he became available after 12 seasons at Penn State.

With that said, that reputation has once again paid off for Virginia Tech and Franklin.

The Hokies were able to flip four-star linebacker Amarri Irvin from the Notre Dame Fighting Irish on Monday.

BREAKING: Four-Star LB Amarri Irvin has Flipped his Commitment from Notre Dame to Virginia Tech, he tells me for @Rivals

The 6’0 215 had been committed to the Fighting Irish since November

“ALL GLORY TO GOD, GO HOKIES ”https://t.co/ciNnsso83A pic.twitter.com/E8WOvUyWqo
— Hayes Fawcett (@Hayesfawcett3) June 15, 2026

James Franklin is building an elite 2027 recruiting class for Virginia Tech Hokies

Cooper plays high school ball for the renowned IMG Academy in Bradenton, Florida. He transferred to IMG after attending Woodward Academy in Atlanta, Georgia.

Notably, Woodward Academy is the home of four-star cornerback and Virginia Tech commitment Bryce Woods.

He and Cooper took an official visit to Virginia Tech early in June, and that's what led to this flip.

Cooper is ranked as the No. 23 linebacker in the 2027 class, according to the 247Sports Composite, so he's a more than notable commitment for the Hokies.

Franklin is already putting together an elite recruiting class for Virginia Tech. The 4-star linebacker is the 25th recruit to commit for 2027. It's a class that's currently ranked No. 7 nationally.

Again, Franklin is living up to his reputation as an elite recruiter.

Andrew Kulha

Andrew Kulha is probably the only sports writer you know who also doubles as a mortician. Spooky! @KulhaSports

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