The First Bank & Trust Friday Q&A: James Franklin And Recruiting

13 Comments

1. 

   11hokie February 7, 2026 at 10:03 AM

   Chris, you rock dude! I could read your stuff throughout the day and I am requesting more podcasts with you as the lead. Your knowledge and how you present your thoughts, ideas and suggestions are exemplary and on point. Keep up the excellent work! And to Will, make sure you are paying this guy because he’s TSL through and through and the reason I’ve been a paid subscriber for so many years.
   1. 

      Novahokie`99 February 8, 2026 at 11:49 AM

      Is this Chris' agent? Haha - just kidding, I couldn't agree with you more. I've been a subscriber since 2003 and now a sponsor and Chris' honest and passionate writing has been a huge draw for me. I've learned so much about VT sports through him and the rest of the TSL team. What a great investment.
2. 

   Tidewater Hillbilly February 6, 2026 at 7:12 PM

   VT is a very young squad in 2026, significantly owed to portal acquisitions. Does this have a negative impact on recruiting? Two factors with a lot of youth: Not as many older quality players running out of eligibility and more quality younger players in-line to hold onto/earn starting roles for more years. Are these "real" factors in a HS senior's decision-making?
3. 

   92Hokie14 February 6, 2026 at 5:32 PM

   “I’m happy for Indiana fans, but I also feel a bit bad for them.” I assure you that if Franklin does for us what Cignetti did for IU, you would not have to feel bad for me. I would gladly sacrifice future expectation setting to finally experience what it would feel like to win a national championship in football.
   1. 

      HokiesE96 February 8, 2026 at 8:00 AM

      This has been the argument on whether the fan base could handle being in the SEC before and now the B10. We used to hang our hat on the bowl streak which is no longer that big of a deal. Can we as a fan base take norm of 7-10 win seasons with a NC sometime? I would hope so!
4. 

   George Baylor February 6, 2026 at 3:53 PM

   CC, liked your answer to #3. Winning at football helps all our sports, but if we take away from M/W Basketball, softball, and baseball that won't be good or fun for us fans. We need to compete and win at the conf. level and rest will take care of itself.
   1. 

      Coach Dailey February 6, 2026 at 7:49 PM

      But NEVER reduce $$$ to wrestling because that is VT’s most consistent national level performer for the past 15 years
      1. 

         JJoy February 7, 2026 at 9:11 AM

         Agree 100%. Should actually increase funding for the program.
         1. 

            GoneFishin Hokie February 7, 2026 at 12:20 PM

            Wait til next year!
      2. 

         Solarex February 8, 2026 at 5:05 AM

         Right on!
5. 

   spudman February 6, 2026 at 2:18 PM

   if we start winning recruiting will take care of itself
6. 

   buffalo_hokie February 6, 2026 at 2:14 PM

   "That Dog" Will Hunt gets me every time
7. 

   TomTurkey February 6, 2026 at 1:06 PM

   Another good selection and read.