Home / Sports / Top Recruit Flips to Virginia Tech After Coach Change
Top Recruit Flips to Virginia Tech After Coach Change
26 Nov
Summary
- Top recruit Mickens committed to Virginia Tech on Saturday.
- He previously committed to Penn State in August 2023.
- Coach Franklin's recent move to Virginia Tech influenced the decision.
Virginia Tech has secured a significant commitment from highly-touted recruit Mickens, ranked No. 141 overall in the 2026 ESPN 300. Mickens finalized his decision following an official visit this past Saturday, positioning him as the top prospect in the Hokies' 2026 recruiting class. This development marks a notable shift, as Mickens had initially pledged to Penn State in August 2023.
The recruitment landscape shifted dramatically following coach Franklin's departure from Penn State after 12 seasons. Mickens decommitted from the Nittany Lions on November 19, becoming one of several 2026 prospects to reconsider their commitments. Following his decommitment, Mickens narrowed his focus to Indiana, Oklahoma, and Ole Miss.
Sources indicate that Coach Franklin, newly appointed at Virginia Tech, was among the first to contact Mickens after his November 17 hiring. This proactive outreach, coupled with Mickens' subsequent official visit during the Week 13 loss to Miami, appears to have swayed his decision. Mickens now stands as a cornerstone for the Hokies' recruiting class, which is anticipated to expand before the early signing period begins on December 3.
