Saquon Barkley sends heartfelt message to James Franklin after accepting Virginia Tech job originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
There was a major shakeup in college football this week when former Penn State Nittany Lions coach James Franklin was hired as Virginia Tech's new coach ahead of the 2026 season.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementIn a rather interesting move, the hire got the attention of Philadelphia Eagles running back Saquon Barkley. Barkley played for the Nittany Lions under Franklin's direction from 2015-2017.
"Happy for him," Barkley said, per The Athletic's Zach Berman. "The way I look at it is James Franklin's a guy who, I had offers — probably had like three or four offers — but I wasn't really a big recruit. Him, alongside (Sean Spencer and Charles Huff) believed in me and gave me an opportunity"
Barkley took it a step further, personally giving a shoutout to Franklin for getting him where he is today.
"And I know for sure that I'm not sitting here right now in front of you guys answering these questions if it wasn't for James Franklin," Barkley said.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementBut, in true Barkley fashion, he is a Nittany Lion till the end.
"Excited for him and his family, wish him nothing but success," Barkley said. "But at the same time, anytime he plays Penn State, I gotta go with Penn State."
The Eagles (8-2) will attempt to sweep the season series with the Dallas Cowboys (4-5-1) Sunday (4:25 p.m. ET, Fox) to extend their winning streak to three.
Meanwhile, the Nittany Lions are trying to keep their postseason hopes alive as they will attempt to knock off the Nebraska Cornhuskers Saturday night (7 p.m. ET, NBC).
Regardless of which outcome occurs, the mutual respect between Barkley and Franklin is paramount. Should they cross paths again remains to be seen.
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