James Franklin is wasting no time putting his stamp on Virginia Tech.
The former Penn State head coach has brought a dozen ex-Nittany Lions with him to Blacksburg, and if even a handful of them hit, the Hokies could look a lot like “Penn State South” in 2026. From promising young talent to players with real Big Ten experience, Franklin’s roster overhaul is already taking shape-and it’s heavy on familiar faces.
Let’s break down the names to know, what they bring to the table, and why this wave of transfers could be a turning point for the Hokies.
The PSU-to-VT Pipeline
Here’s the full list of former Penn State players now in the Virginia Tech program:
- DL Randy Adirika
- WR Tyseer Denmark
- WR Jeff Exinor
- QB Ethan Grunkemeyer
- DL Cortez Harris
- TE Matt Henderson
- DL Daniel Jennings
- TE Luke Reynolds
- OL Michael Troutman
- DL Mylachi Williams
- **CB Kenny Woseley Jr. **
- LB Keon Wylie
Six of these players-Adirika, Exinor, Harris, Henderson, Jennings and Troutman-were part of Franklin’s 2025 signing class at Penn State. That group represents a foundation he clearly believes in, and now he’s banking on their development continuing in the ACC.
But it’s the older, more seasoned transfers who could make the biggest impact right away.
Tyseer Denmark: A Playmaker Waiting to Pop
Denmark, one of three Imhotep Charter alums making the move, is entering his third season of college football. He redshirted in 2024 and saw limited action across eight games last year, but the potential is there.
He’s got the athleticism and burst to be a real factor in the Hokies’ passing game, especially with a fresh start and a familiar coaching staff. Penn State fans might’ve seen more of Denmark in 2025 if not for the influx of veteran transfer receivers that crowded the depth chart. Now, with a clearer path to playing time, Denmark could finally showcase what made him such an intriguing prospect.
Keon Wylie: A Versatile Linebacker on the Rise
Another Imhotep product, Wylie was a three-star recruit in the 2022 class and started to come into his own last season. When Tony Rojas went down with a long-term injury, Wylie stepped up-and delivered.
He played in all 13 games, racking up 28 tackles, 2.5 tackles for loss, a sack, three QB hurries and a pass breakup. That’s the kind of production that suggests he’s ready for a bigger role. Franklin has long been high on Wylie’s upside, and if he continues on this trajectory, he could become a defensive cornerstone for Virginia Tech.
Luke Reynolds: A Five-Star Talent Looking to Rebound
Reynolds came to Penn State as a five-star tight end and made a strong first impression as a true freshman in 2024. But his sophomore season didn’t quite follow the script.
Despite hauling in 26 catches, none of them resulted in touchdowns. Still, Reynolds’ physical tools and route-running ability remain elite, and he was a hot commodity in the transfer portal. Virginia Tech won that battle, and now it’s up to Franklin to get Reynolds back on track and into the end zone.
Kenny Woseley Jr.: A Nickel Corner with Big-Game Experience
Woseley, the third Imhotep alum in this group, played a key role in Penn State’s nickel defense under former coordinator Jim Knowles. He’s got the quickness and instincts to thrive in a five-DB system-something Franklin has always favored.
Expect Woseley to bring experience and versatility to the Hokies’ secondary, especially in sub-packages where his skill set really shines.
Ethan Grunkemeyer: The Quarterback to Watch
Grunkemeyer’s name might not have been on many radars heading into last season, but that changed quickly when Drew Allar went down against Northwestern.
Thrown into the fire, Grunkemeyer started the final seven games of the season and held his own. He finished 2025 with 1,339 passing yards and eight touchdowns, showing poise and command well beyond his experience level.
He was especially sharp in wins over Nebraska, Rutgers and Clemson, and nearly pulled off a comeback against Indiana. Now, with a full offseason to prepare, Grunkemeyer could be the guy to lead Virginia Tech’s offense in 2026-and he’ll be doing it in a system he already knows.
What This Means for Virginia Tech
This isn’t just a case of a coach bringing in “his guys.” It’s a calculated infusion of talent, familiarity and upside. Franklin knows what these players can do-and more importantly, how to put them in positions to succeed.
It’s rare to see this kind of roster migration from one Power Five program to another, but it speaks volumes about the relationships Franklin built in State College. These players didn’t just follow a coach-they followed a vision.
If the transition clicks, Virginia Tech could be one of the more intriguing teams to watch in 2026. And if these former Nittany Lions find their footing, the Hokies might just be ready to make some noise in the ACC.