Former Virginia Tech Jockey Football Superstar Returns to Hokies
In a surprise move that rocked the world of college football, former Virginia Tech sensation and dual-sport phenomenon Jalen “Jockey” Franklin announced his return to the Hokies roster for one final season. Franklin, once considered the most electrifying talent in Hokies history, left the program early in 2023 to pursue a short-lived but headline-grabbing career as a professional jockey—a bizarre and bold switch that stunned sports fans nationwide.
Franklin, standing at an athletic 5’9″, had the rare physique that let him excel on both the football field and the horse track. As Virginia Tech’s starting slot receiver and kick returner, he earned two consecutive All-ACC selections, leading the conference in all-purpose yards during the 2022 season. His dazzling speed—clocked at a blazing 4.22 seconds in the 40-yard dash—made him not only a nightmare for opposing defenses but also a legitimate contender in the equestrian world.
“I’ve always loved two things: football and horses,” Franklin once told ESPN after announcing his stunning departure to ride thoroughbreds professionally. His debut at Churchill Downs was met with curiosity and skepticism, but Franklin silenced critics by winning two minor stakes races. Still, the pull of Lane Stadium and the roar of 65,000 Hokie fans proved too powerful.
Today, flanked by head coach Brent Pry and Athletic Director Whit Babcock, Franklin made the shocking announcement in Blacksburg: “I’m back. I’ve ridden some of the fastest colts in the country—but nothing compares to the feeling of catching a touchdown in Lane Stadium on a crisp autumn night. I’m coming home to finish what I started.”
The press conference sent ripples across the NCAA. After an NCAA waiver approved his return—thanks to the unusual nature of his “pro career” in horse racing, which didn’t affect his football eligibility—Franklin will suit up this fall as a redshirt senior. His decision comes at a pivotal time for the Hokies, who are coming off a rebuilding 7-5 season and are hungry for an ACC title run.
Coach Pry couldn’t hide his excitement. “Jockey was a game-changer for us. His versatility—slot receiver, return man, even some wildcat QB packages—completely alters what defenses have to prepare for. His speed is as good as anyone’s in the country, and the maturity he’s gained from his time away is priceless. This locker room just got a whole lot better.”
The team’s current starting quarterback, sophomore phenom Malik Henderson, lit up social media minutes after the announcement: “Jockey’s back. DBs, beware. Hokie Nation—this season just got real.”
Franklin, now weighing in at a rock-solid 185 pounds after his jockey stint, vowed to lead the Hokies to a championship. “I left to chase a dream. But the dream’s always been here in Blacksburg. We’ve got unfinished business.”
Whether his rare athletic journey makes him stronger or leaves him rusty remains to be seen. But one thing is certain: with Jalen “Jockey” Franklin back in maroon and orange, the Hokies just became the most intriguing team in college football this fall.
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