Surprising SEC program emerging as a big threat to Virginia Tech for elite 4-star edge

Nov 22, 2025; Blacksburg, Virginia, USA; Virginia Tech Hokies head coach James Franklin on the sidelines before the start of the game against the Miami (FL) Hurricanes at Lane Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Neville E. Guard-Imagn Images | Neville E. Guard-Imagn ImagesSpring practices are beginning to heat up around college football, and Virginia Tech will get going in full this month under first-year coach James Franklin. Also, what is going to pick up is recruits scheduling visits, mainly with the Class of 2027.

When Franklin was at Penn State, he came into the state of Virginia and was able, along with Brent Pry, who was his defensive coordinator, to pluck some of the state's top talent. Now…