Can Virginia Tech Football's Recruiting Ever Challenge Miami's?

Though the Hokies will likely never surpass Miami in recruiting, they can become a threat in certain venues.

Nov 22, 2025; Blacksburg, Va.; Virginia Tech offensive lineman Johnny Garrett (79) and quarterback Kyron Drones (1) celebrate with running back Jeffrey Overton (16). | Brian Bishop-Imagn Images

When it comes to recruiting, the Hokies have often operated in the shadow of traditional powerhouses like Miami. The Hurricanes, with their professional pipelines and storied history, maintain a recruiting allure that is difficult for most programs to match. Yet, under new head whistle James Franklin, there are signs that Virginia Tech can carve out a space where it not only competes for talented players but also becomes a legitimate threat to Miami in certain recruiting battles.

Hokie Nation, we got our guy 🤝

Coach Franklin’s here to win 🏆

➡️ https://t.co/qFtXyikfDR
🏆 https://t.co/dA4VWjes9z pic.twitter.com/J2MTYyAILt

— Virginia Tech Football (@HokiesFB) November 17, 2025

The key lies in consistency and culture. Franklin, with his pedigree and steady track record, has built a reputation for developing players and producing NFL-ready talent. That credibility is crucial when recruiting athletes who have multiple options. While Miami can sell glamour, name recognition and recent national relevance, Virginia Tech can offer a supportive coaching staff and a program heavy on player development, both on and off the field. For many high school players, particularly those on the cusp of elite status, these factors can outweigh legacy prestige.

Geography also matters. With Franklin entering, Virginia Tech now likely has a firm hold on the state of Virginia and parts of the Mid-Atlantic. Meanwhile, Miami dominates Florida, one of the richest recruiting grounds in the country, but the Hokies can compete for players who might value proximity to home or prefer a less crowded path to the field. Thus far, in one cycle, Franklin and Co. has shown an ability to identify prospects who might be able to contribute off the bat, offering a path to stand out and factor in immediately.

Even so, there are limits. Miami’s brand carries a near-universal recognition that Virginia Tech, despite its strong program, cannot fully replicate. Top-tier recruits — five-stars with multiple Power Five offers — are inevitably likely to gravitate toward Miami’s combination of national exposure, NFL pipeline and history of elite talent. Tech can certainly compete for four-star recruits who value development, culture and fit over flash, but consistently out-recruiting Miami on a national scale remains a steep challenge and one that won't arrive, even under Franklin.

Where Virginia Tech can realistically make its mark is in selective battles. Franklin coaching staff can identify specific positions or types of players where the Hokies have an advantage, specifically under-the-radar athletes, both in recruiting and in the portal. Running backs coach Elijah Brooks has hit multiple times on portal additions, such as Bhayshul Tuten, Terion Stewart and Marcellous Hawkins and in recruiting, as well, with Jeffrey Overton, Jr. Over time, with consistent development, bowl appearances and gradual national visibility, Virginia Tech could become a program that Miami cannot ignore. For certain recruits, the Hokies can now be a first-choice option rather than a fallback. That represents a significant leap forward.

In short, Virginia Tech will never fully match Miami’s national brand, but it doesn’t have to. By building a high floor, the Hokies can position themselves as a genuine contender for the recruits that fit its culture. Tech is positioning itself to be no longer a secondary option; for the right players, it can be a compelling choice in its own right. With sustained progress under Franklin going forward, challenging Miami in targeted recruiting battles is well within the realm of possibility.