James Franklin Flips Top Offensive Tackle Roseby Lubintus to Virginia Tech

James Franklin is making his presence felt early at Virginia Tech, and his first significant recruiting win could reshape the Hokies’ trajectory under his leadership. Franklin, recently hired from Penn State, successfully flipped 2026 offensive tackle Roseby Lubintus, signaling an immediate impact on the program’s recruiting profile. This move highlights the potential for Franklin to build momentum and instill confidence in his new roster vision.

Lubintus, a 6-foot-5, 330-pound lineman from Sicklerville, New Jersey, initially committed to Penn State before briefly flipping to Syracuse. Franklin’s departure from Penn State and arrival in Blacksburg opened the door for Virginia Tech to claim one of the nation’s top offensive line prospects. The commitment is viewed as a foundational step in Franklin’s plan to revitalize the Hokies.

According to 247Sports reporter Brian Dohn, Lubintus’s decision was strongly influenced by his relationship with Franklin. The lineman emphasized the trust and belief Franklin showed in him throughout the recruitment process, dating back to his first offer from a major program.

The player’s confidence in Franklin as he steps into a new role underscores the coach’s recruiting influence. It also signals that Franklin’s ability to attract top talent extends beyond program loyalty, providing Virginia Tech with a recruiting edge that could pay dividends in the coming cycles.

1. The Recruiting Flip

Landing Lubintus is more than a symbolic victory for Franklin; it adds immediate size and talent to Virginia Tech’s offensive line. His presence provides the Hokies with a key building block as the program works to address gaps on the roster. The flip also demonstrates Franklin’s ability to sway top prospects, even those previously committed to other Power Five programs. Securing a player of Lubintus’s caliber early in the cycle sends a strong message to other recruits about Virginia Tech’s growing competitiveness. Lubintus cited Franklin’s belief in his abilities as a decisive factor in the commitment. The lineman appreciated both the football development opportunities and the chance to compete at a high level, highlighting the personal connection that Franklin cultivates with recruits. This early recruiting success lays the groundwork for potential additional flips. As Franklin continues to build relationships with prospects he has previously evaluated, more top-tier talent could follow Lubintus to Blacksburg.

2. Program Implications

Franklin’s arrival at Virginia Tech comes amid a program rebuild, and early wins in recruiting are critical to shaping the team’s future. Securing Lubintus helps establish credibility and momentum for the coaching staff, which is working to convince other elite prospects to join the Hokies. The offensive line addition addresses an immediate need while also signaling a commitment to developing a physically dominant, competitive roster. For a program seeking to compete in the ACC, bolstering the line is a top priority. This commitment also highlights Franklin’s strategic approach to recruiting. By leveraging personal relationships and past evaluations, he is positioning Virginia Tech to attract players who may have previously overlooked the program. Ultimately, Franklin’s ability to deliver high-profile recruits early can accelerate the rebuilding process, establishing the foundation for long-term success both on and off the field.

3. The Path Forward

Lubintus’s commitment could be the first of several high-profile additions for Virginia Tech in the 2026 class. Franklin is reportedly pursuing other top targets, including prospects he previously evaluated during his time at Penn State. The coach’s strategy emphasizes both talent and fit, seeking players who align with his system and culture. This approach allows for immediate roster improvement while fostering a strong team identity. For the Hokies, the successful flip signals that the program can compete with traditional recruiting powers in the region. It also energizes the fan base, which will be closely watching Franklin’s next moves as the recruiting cycle unfolds. If this trend continues, Franklin’s vision for Virginia Tech football could take shape more quickly than anticipated. Securing multiple elite prospects would not only enhance competitiveness but also redefine the perception of the program nationally.