Monday, February 16, 2026

Penn State Suffers Big Loss in James Franklin’s Move to Virginia Tech Despite Saving $40M

Penn State Nittany Lions thought they had it all figured out when they decided to part ways with James Franklin and save themselves a whopping $40 million. But little did they know that their happily-ever-after was not meant to be. Franklin, who has been the head coach of the Nittany Lions since 2014, has now accepted an offer from Virginia Tech and is all set to pack his bags and leave.

This news has left the Nittany Lions and their fans in a state of shock and disbelief. After all, Franklin has been an integral part of the team for the past seven years and has led them to numerous victories and successes. His departure has left a void that will not be easy to fill.

But what is even more concerning for the Nittany Lions is the fact that Franklin is eyeing his old roster at Penn State. This means that not only will they lose their beloved coach, but they might also lose some of their star players who have been recruited by Franklin himself. This is a nightmare scenario for any team, and the Nittany Lions are no exception.

But it’s not just Penn State that is feeling the heat of Franklin’s move to Virginia Tech. Another program is also on high alert as they fear that Franklin might have his eyes set on their team as well. This has caused a ripple effect in the college football world, with many speculating about which team Franklin might target next.

However, amidst all the chaos and uncertainty, one thing is for sure – Penn State has suffered a big loss in Franklin’s move to Virginia Tech. Despite saving $40 million, the Nittany Lions are now facing the consequences of their decision to let go of their head coach. And it’s not just about the money, but also about the impact that Franklin has had on the team and the program as a whole.

Franklin’s tenure at Penn State has been nothing short of remarkable. He took over the team at a time when they were facing severe sanctions due to the Jerry Sandusky scandal. But he didn’t let that deter him, and instead, he worked tirelessly to rebuild the program and bring it back to its former glory. Under his leadership, the Nittany Lions have won three bowl games and have consistently been ranked among the top teams in the country.

But it’s not just about the wins and losses on the field. Franklin has also been a mentor and a role model for his players. He has instilled a sense of discipline, hard work, and determination in them, which has not only helped them excel on the field but also in their personal lives. He has been a father figure to many of his players, and they have the utmost respect and admiration for him.

So, it’s no surprise that the Nittany Lions are feeling the impact of Franklin’s departure. He has been the heart and soul of the team, and his absence will be deeply felt by everyone associated with the program. But amidst all the sadness and disappointment, there is also a sense of gratitude and appreciation for everything that Franklin has done for Penn State.

As for Franklin, his move to Virginia Tech is a new chapter in his coaching career. He will now have the opportunity to build another program and leave his mark on a new team. And while it may be difficult for Penn State fans to see him in a different jersey, they can take solace in the fact that he will always be a Nittany Lion at heart.

In the end, it’s not about the money or the wins and losses, but about the relationships and the impact that Franklin has had on the players and the program. And that is something that can never be taken away. So, while Penn State may have suffered a big loss in Franklin’s move to Virginia Tech, they will always be grateful for everything that he has done for them. And that, in itself, is a victory.

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