Penn State football needed a turnaround, a new chapter, and a fresh face in Happy Valley if it wanted to reach its ultimate goal: a national championship. That meant now Virginia Tech head coach James Franklin got the boot and the Nittany Lions needed a big splash in their coaching search.
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The Hokies also desperately needed a change, and Franklin was the perfect guy for the job despite his shortcomings at State College. Virginia Tech went 3-9 in 2025. That's a record Franklin can for sure work with.
These two programs have different goals, but two ESPN reporters are torn between which will be the most improved.
ESPN debates whether Penn State or Virginia Tech will be most improved in 2026
"Franklin has had a head start on most new coaches in implementing his vision and had a solid portal haul, which included Penn State imports quarterback Ethan Grunkemeyer and tight end Luke Reynolds," Adam Rittenberg wrote. "A favorable first-half schedule should help the Hokies build confidence and belief. Expect them to pull off one notable upset in November, too."
"Penn State was finally able to lure Matt Campbell away from Iowa State, and he could be poised for a big turnaround in Happy Valley . . . Campbell brought in 39 transfers, including two dozen from Iowa State. Quarterback Rocco Becht, tailback Carson Hansen, receiver Chase Sowell and tight end Benjamin Brahmer are plug-and-play starters on offense," Mark Schlabach wrote. "The Nittany Lions don't play Indiana, Ohio State or Oregon in the regular season, so a 10-win season isn't out of the question."
The Nittany Lions' schedule is key here. If they had the Buckeyes, Hoosiers, and Ducks on their schedule, they'd most likely not be in the "most improved" conversation. That wouldn't say anything bad about Campbell's ability to turn the program around, especially if he kept those games close, but it would certainly make it tougher in year one at least.
Campbell would have to flunk in his first season, regardless of what Franklin accomplishes with the Hokies, for fans to question athletic director Pat Kraft's decision. Knowing a 10-win season isn't off the table entirely, though, already speaks volumes to what the new Nittany Lion head coach can do in Happy Valley.