Virginia Tech’s Big Recruiting Class Under James Franklin
Virginia Tech is experiencing a significant shift in its college football recruiting standing. Once struggling alongside other ACC bottom-feeders to avoid the worst class in the conference, the Hokies are now demonstrating a newfound swagger on the recruiting trail.
This momentum is largely attributed to the arrival of head coach James Franklin. After bringing a substantial portion of the Penn State class to Blacksburg during the previous cycle, Franklin is now seeing results in the 2027 cycle.
A New Hierarchy in the ACC
As of May 25, the Hokies hold the No. 20 spot in the Rivals Industry Team Recruiting Rankings. This surge has placed Virginia Tech as the No. 3 class in the ACC, trailing only Miami and Clemson.
The current class consists of 14 total commitments, with a heavy emphasis on the offensive side of the ball. Eight of these commits are slated to play offence at the collegiate level.
Securing Elite Talent
The program recently secured its most significant commitment to date. Peter Bourque, a four-star quarterback from Tabor Academy in Hingham, Massachusetts, chose the Hokies over Georgia on May 14.
Bourque, ranked as the No. 7 quarterback in the nation, was previously committed to Michigan before coaching changes in Ann Arbor brought him back onto the board. Franklin and his staff, who were previously involved via Penn State, successfully re-ignited his interest in Virginia Tech.
“I’m super close to that staff. I have a great relationship with Daniel O’Brien and Coach Franklin,” Bourque stated regarding his decision.
Expanding the Roster
Bourque is one of four four-star recruits currently committed to the Hokies. The month of May also saw pledges from four-star cornerback Chase Johnson of Emanuel County in Swainsboro, Georgia and four-star running back JP Jones-Priest from Martin in Arlington, Texas.
The remaining commitments include a mix of three-star talent across multiple positions:
- Running Backs: Kelvin Morrison and Stanley Smart
- Wide Receivers: Demarcus Brown and Anthony Roberts
- Tight End: Braxton Salster
- Offensive Line: Kaden Buchanan
- Defensive Line: Joseph Buchanan, Xavier Perkins, and Brock Frisby
- EDGE: Alexander Taylor
- Safety: Elijah Butler
Looking Ahead
While the program has gained significant traction, the recruiting process is ongoing. Franklin and his staff may look to add more commits to the fold to further solidify their standing.
Given the current momentum, Virginia Tech could potentially climb higher in the national rankings if they continue to land high-profile recruits. The staff is likely to leverage their current success to remain in the thick of big-time recruitments throughout the remainder of the cycle.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where does Virginia Tech currently rank in the 2027 recruiting cycle?
As of May 25, the Hokies are ranked No. 20 in the Rivals Industry Team Recruiting Rankings and No. 3 in the ACC.
Who is the highest-rated recruit in the current Virginia Tech class?
Four-star quarterback Peter Bourque is a primary highlight, ranked as the No. 7 QB in the nation.
How many total commits does Virginia Tech have in the 2027 class?
There are currently 14 total commits, eight of whom are offensive players.
Do you think this recruiting surge will permanently change Virginia Tech’s standing in the ACC?