'We've won the offseason': New HC James Franklin feeling confident about Virginia Tech's prospects heading into 2026

The new faces improve a squad that went 3-9 last season (2-6 in ACC play). That gives Franklin even more confidence that he can get the program back on track. 

"We are bigger. We are stronger. We are faster than we have been. There's no doubt about that," Franklin said. "We've won the offseason. That's a great soundbite. The reality is we've got to make sure those things translate into the season."

The moves will help the Hokies take steps, but they won't launch them back into national title contention. As of Thursday, ESPN's Football Power Index lists Virginia Tech as the No. 7 team in the conference and gives it a projected win-loss record of 7.0-5.1. 

Quarterback questions may cap the Hokies' ceiling this upcoming season. Penn State transfer Ethan Grunkemeyer is expected to be named the team's starting QB. He's a decent but not great option. In two seasons with the Nittany Lions, he completed 124-of-180 passes (68.9 percent, above average) for 1,348 yards, eight touchdown passes and five interceptions.

Franklin believes he's setting the foundation for a turnaround in Blacksburg. Still, he and his team have way more work to do before they start winning on the field, which is what fans and boosters care about. Nobody hangs banners for offseason championships.