Following incoming Virginia Tech head coach James Franklin getting fired from Penn State, the Nittany Lions knew he was becoming a new enemy in the recruitment process very soon. As de-commitments rolled in and Class of 2026 and 2027 recruits scheduled visits elsewhere, the high school juniors and seniors revealed that Franklin's new program would automatically be in their consideration.
For three, they followed through and announced on Thanksgiving that they are staying loyal to Franklin.
Messiah Mickens, Roseby Lubintus, and Marlen Bright commit to Virginia Tech on Thanksgiving
Four-star offensive tackle Marlen Bright announced his commitment to the Hokies on Thursday, Nov. 27. He was the third former Penn State commit to do so in a span of two days and the second to commit on Thanksgiving.
Marlen Bright Flips To Virginia Tech
— Tech Sideline (@TechSideline) November 27, 2025
The 6-foot-7, 290-pound offensive lineman from New Jersey is the third commit of the James Franklin era and the third on Thanksgiving. Rivals lists him as a four-star prospect. #Hokies https://t.co/p0iyIOUMzE
Bright is ranked 437th nationally and 40th among offensive tackles, according to 247Sports Composite rankings. He was committed to Penn State since the summer and took visits to Illinois and Washington after Franklin's departure. Despite his visits staying within the Big Ten bubble, Bright quickly scheduled one with Virginia Tech after the Franklin hiring was announced.
Three-star offensive tackle Roseby Lubintus also committed on Thursday and four-star running back Messiah Mickens committed on Nov. 25. Mickens faced backlash before his official announcement from the blue and white faithful, but still stayed true to Franklin.
Roseby Lubintus Commits To Virginia Tech
— Tech Sideline (@TechSideline) November 27, 2025
The #Hokies and James Franklin pick up their second pledge in the form of the Sicklerville, N.J., offensive lineman, who is huge at 6-foot-6, 340.https://t.co/Uevh04GOWO
Lubintus is the 768th-ranked overall recruit and 67th offensive tackle in the country from the Class of 2026, according to 247Sports Composite rankings. He and Bright are two New Jersey natives. Lubintus was initially committed to Penn State in the spring, but flipped to Syracuse in July. He de-committed from the Orange on Oct. 14 and Franklin extended an offer to Lubintus on the day he was hired by the Hokies.
Mickens is the 209th-ranked recruit nationally and No. 14 running back in the country, according to 247Sports Composite rankings. Unlike the two New Jersey recruits, Penn State lost an Pennsylvania native to Franklin down at Virginia Tech.
Four-stars offensive tackle Kevin Brown, wide receiver Jahsiear Rogers, and linebacker Elijah Littlejohn are also former Nittany Lion commits who Penn State should be worried about upgrading Virginia Tech's recruitment roster as well.