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James Franklin the favorite to be named coach at historic college football program

Former Penn State coach James Franklin has emerged as the favorite at one historic college football program.
Jonathan Adams|
Sep 6, 2025; University Park, Pennsylvania, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions head coach James Franklin walks around the field prior to the game against the Florida International Panthers at Beaver Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew O'Haren-Imagn Images
Sep 6, 2025; University Park, Pennsylvania, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions head coach James Franklin walks around the field prior to the game against the Florida International Panthers at Beaver Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew O'Haren-Imagn Images | Matthew O'Haren-Imagn Images

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Penn State Nittany LionsVirginia Tech Hokies

James Franklin has made it clear that he wants to once again be a college football coach sooner rather than later. The former Penn State coach may have plenty of options given the growing list of programs joining the college football coaching carousel.

If the predictive markets are correct, Franklin may be moving from the Big Ten to the ACC. Kalshi is a predictive market offering realtime odds for sports and current events.

Franklin is given a 73% chance to be named the next Virginia Tech head coach, per Kalshi. James Madison's Bob Chesney is a distant second at 8%. USF's Alex Golesh and longtime NFL coach Jon Gruden are also listed among the favorites.

It is worth noting that sportsbooks and predictive markets have had a wide range of future odds amid the Virginia Tech coaching search. Days earlier, one sportsbook listed Gruden as the favorite to be the new Hokies coach.

Let's dive into Franklin's future amid the Virginia Tech rumors.

Virginia Tech is in danger of losing James Franklin to another college football coaching job: Insider

Virginia Tech could have competition if the Hokies hope to land Franklin. On3's Pete Nakos reported that Franklin could be one of the top candidates in the latest round of the college football coaching carousel. Virginia Tech's chances could hinge on whether Florida State fires Mike Norvell.

"Sources have connected former Penn State head coach James Franklin to the Virginia Tech job; however, he is likely to be one of the top names in coaching searches this cycle," Nakos wrote on Monday.

"His name is also tied to Florida and LSU, and will likely be a top name at Florida State if the Seminoles move on from Mike Norvell. Franklin does have some familiarity with Virginia Tech; his former defensive coordinator at Penn State was Pry."

James Franklin led Penn State to at least 10 wins the last three seasons

It is easy to see why Virginia Tech would find Franklin's resume attractive. Franklin became a much maligned figure in Happy Valley, but many Hokies fans would love to have had Penn State's recent success.

Virginia Tech was once one of the perennial top teams in the ACC, but the Hokies have not reached eight wins since 2019. The Hokies last double-digit win season came in 2016.

Franklin led Penn State to a 13-3 record in 2024 and a trip to the College Football Playoff. Prior to 2025, Penn State had three straight seasons notching at least 10 wins under Franklin.

Game odds refresh periodically and are subject to change. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem and wants help, call 1-800-GAMBLER.

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Jonathan Adams
JONATHAN ADAMS

Jonathan Adams is a veteran sports writer who has written for notable outlets and interviewed some of the top athletes for more than 10 years. Since 2015, his sports coverage has been read by tens of millions and has been prominently featured on Heavy, NFL.com, Yahoo Sports, Pro Football Talk, CBS Sports, Bleacher Report and more. Jonathan is a member of the Football Writers Association of America (FWAA) and a voter for the Maxwell Award and Eddie Robinson Coach of the Year. He has interviewed many of the biggest stars in sports — Bryce Harper, Jayden Daniels, Justin Jefferson, Bijan Robinson and Micah Parsons to name a few — and has traveled the country to cover the College Football Playoff, NFL draft, Masters, March Madness, Senior Bowl, McDonald’s All-American Game and beyond. Jonathan Adams studied at the University of Central Florida and The Seattle School of Theology & Psychology. He holds master degrees in sport business management, business administration and theology & culture.

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