Hokies Rising: James Franklin Ignites Virginia Tech Rebuild as ACC Contenders Sound Off at Kickoff Day 2 (7-16-26)
By: Xavier Jones
Headline Photo Credit: Arturo Jones-LMS Network
2026 ACC Football Kickoff — Day 2 Recap & Analysis
Day 2 of the 2026 ACC Football Kickoff at the Hilton Charlotte Uptown brought together coaches and players from Boston College, Clemson, Georgia Tech, Louisville, Syracuse, and Virginia Tech. With live coverage on ACC Network, the sessions featured season previews, player spotlights, and plenty of optimism (and urgency) heading into September.
Preseason expectations remain high for established contenders like Clemson and Louisville, while programs like Virginia Tech are generating buzz for a potential rebound under new leadership.
Virginia Tech Hokies: Emphasis on the Rebuild Under James Franklin
The Hokies, coming off a disappointing 3-9 season in 2025, were one of the most anticipated stories of the day. New head coach James Franklin (formerly of Penn State) headlined the delegation alongside defensive lineman Kemari Copeland (Third Team All-ACC, 4.5 sacks in 2025), safety Tyson Flowers, and running back Marcellous Hawkins.
Franklin emphasized culture, urgency, and leveraging transfers/recruiting momentum. The Hokies have invested heavily (“Invest to Win” initiative) and landed a strong 2027 recruiting class (top-20 nationally, top-3 in ACC). Key additions include QB Ethan Grunkemeyer (transfer) and OC Ty Howle, promising a more balanced, explosive offense.
Standout Themes from VT:
Running game strength: Hawkins is poised for a big year as a feature back, supported by depth like Jeffrey Overton Jr.
Defensive anchors: Copeland and Flowers provide veteran leadership on a unit that could improve significantly.
Schedule optimism: Favorable early slate (VMI, ODU, Maryland, BC) offers a chance to build momentum before tougher road tests (Clemson, SMU, Miami0.
Franklin’s message: Lessons from Penn State, evolving without reinventing the wheel, and restoring Virginia Tech’s proud identity.
The Hokies’ presence signaled a program on the rise—energetic, hungry, and ready to climb the ACC standings.
Other Day 2 Highlights
Clemson Tigers (Dabo Swinney, LB Sammy Brown, DE Will Heldt, TE Olsen Patt-Henry): Swinney stressed urgency after a 7-6 2025 campaign despite high expectations. The Tigers are reloading with a “hungry” group and defensive talent. No quarterback was sent, shifting focus to veterans and internal competition.
Louisville Cardinals (Jeff Brohm, QB Lincoln Kienholz — Ohio State transfer, DL Clev Lubin, OL Lance Robinson): Ranked in the preseason top-25 conversation, Brohm’s squad aims for consistency. Lubin (All-ACC performer) and the offensive line were focal points.
Georgia Tech (Brent Key, RBs Justice Haynes & Malachi Hosley, LB Kyle Efford): Continuing their upward trajectory with a physical, run-heavy identity.
Boston College (Bill O’Brien) and Syracuse (Fran Brown): Focused on development, quarterback play (Mason McKenzie for BC, Steve Angeli for Cuse), and building competitiveness.
Overall Day 2 Vibe: A mix of championship pedigree (Clemson/Louisville) and rebuilding excitement (VT leading the charge among risers). Media polled for preseason rankings and All-ACC teams, with Miami still the favorite but depth across the league creating parity.
