Virginia Tech HC James Franklin ’s hire became official just eight days ago. And not even one week after unpacking his office, he already pulled off his first heist in Blacksburg. He pulled the longest-tenured pledge, locked in since August 2023, straight out of Penn State’s 2026 class.

“ NEWS: Four-star RB Messiah Mickens has committed to Virginia Tech, a source tells ESPN,” Eli Lederman reported on X on November 25. “Mickens, ESPN’s No. 13 running back in 2026, is the first former Penn State pledge to follow James Franklin to Blacksburg. Just the start for the Hokies before the early signing period.”

Messiah Mickens is the No. 141 player nationally, becoming James Franklin’s first ESPN 300 pickup as Hokies coach.

Per sources, Messiah Mickens was one of the very first r

See Full Page