Penn State fans troll Class of 2026 de-commit for even considering following Franklin

Four-star running back Messiah Mickens de-committed from Penn State football once incoming Virginia Tech head coach James Franklin was fired. He was committed to the program since Aug. 2023, and was one of many who reopened their recruitment as uncertainty lied ahead for the Nittany Lions.

James Franklin leading the charge to poach 4-star RB from Penn State

While some players, like five-star running back Kemon Spell, seek SEC schools or fellow Big Ten schools, others are considering dabbling in the ACC where Franklin now coaches.

Penn State fans aren't all too happy to hear that.

On Monday, Mickens posted a photo of him representing the Hokies in a full uniform on a football field. His comments got a mix of Virginia Tech fans and the blue and white faithful.

"Virginia Tech never has and never will produce the quality of RB that Penn State has," one fan wrote. "It was nice watching you Friday in West Shore, but hopefully the future is in Happy Valley."

Fans are littering his comments, saying he'll regret not sticking it out with Penn State and that once an "elite hire" is announced, Mickens will question everything.

Others went coach-for-coach directly, still having faith in interim head coach Terry Smith's shot at landing the gig in Happy Valley. On the opposing end of that, is Franklin.

Despite his new location, Penn State fans won't ever forget everything Franklin couldn't accomplish: winning big games. With that always in the back of their minds when thinking about the former Nittany Lion head coach, fans made sure Mickens is well aware of that too.

"Virginia Tech is never relevant. Does anyone remember when V Tech mattered in college football? Won’t happen under Franklin either," a fan commented.

Some fans are taking a more supportive approach, while still backing Penn State. They're reminding Mickens of his visit to Happy Valley, sharing photos of him dressed in the Nittany Lions' uniform to combat his latest post.

The early signing period is rapidly approaching, and decisions are going to roll in with many not favoring the Nittany Lions. If Penn State brings in a home run hire, that might turn things around for the better and potentially be enough to shun Franklin out.