The coaching carousel hasn’t even hit full speed yet, but one storyline is already pulling ahead of the pack: former Penn State head coach James Franklin is reportedly in early talks with Virginia Tech, and momentum appears to be shifting toward the Hokies.
While nothing is official, and may not be for some time, multiple reports and industry whispers suggest that Virginia Tech currently holds the edge over Arkansas in what many believed was shaping up to be a legitimate two-program pursuit.
Virginia Tech Emerging as the Leader
What was initially framed as a potential bidding war between Arkansas and Virginia Tech now seems to be moving in the Hokies’ favor. Franklin’s interest in the job has reportedly been strong from the start, and there’s growing belief around the industry that Blacksburg is where he ultimately wants to land.
Some have speculated that Arkansas’ courtship may have served as leverage in his negotiations with Virginia Tech, though that remains purely conjecture. Still, the fit makes sense on paper. With the ACC’s overall depth and consistency of competition being questioned in recent years, Franklin may view it as a faster path to rebuilding a program into a conference contender than navigating the unforgiving week-to-week grind of the SEC.
Arkansas Didn’t Lose for Lack of Effort
No one can say Arkansas didn’t push. Reports consistently linked the Razorbacks to Franklin, describing genuine interest and serious intention from the program. If Franklin does indeed choose Virginia Tech, it won’t be because Arkansas sat idle.
But the Razorbacks are hardly left stranded. In fact, this coaching cycle features one of the deeper pools of available candidates in recent years.
Time for Arkansas to Pivot
If Franklin isn’t the guy, as current signs point that way, Arkansas still has plenty of options. The board includes:
- Top Group of Five up-and-comers
- Proven program builders
- Former head coaches, including names like Ed Orgeron and Billy Napier
- And several assistants viewed as rising stars
The list may have gotten shorter, but the Razorbacks don’t need to panic. What they need now is clarity, fit, and a leader who can stabilize and elevate the program in a conference where every weekend feels like a playoff game.
Franklin’s Lean Toward the ACC Makes Sense
From Franklin’s perspective, Virginia Tech offers an easier runway. The chance to restore a proud program in a conference where the path to the top is less brutal than the SEC grind is appealing. It's a place where a strong recruiter and program builder could flip momentum relatively fast.
In contrast, Arkansas is facing a multi-step rebuild in a division loaded with elite programs, elite coaches, and elite talent pipelines. The margin for error is razor-thin.
So if Franklin truly is leaning Hokies it’s not hard to see why.
Next Man Up in Fayetteville
For Arkansas, the mission now is simple: pivot without blinking. One candidate may be trending toward another job, but the Razorbacks still have a strong foundation, a motivated fanbase, and the resources to attract a high-level coach.
Franklin might not be the guy, but the right guy is still out there and Arkansas now gets to lock in on who that will be.