The Virginia Tech Hokies football team has released its 2025 schedule, which features a challenging slate of opponents. The Hokies will open the season at home against the Old Dominion Monarchs, a familiar foe from the Commonwealth of Virginia. They will then hit the road for a non-conference matchup with the North Carolina Tar Heels, a perennial powerhouse in the ACC. The Hokies will return home to face the West Virginia Mountaineers, and then travel to Syracuse to take on the Orange. The Hokies will then host the Pitt Panthers, before traveling to Boston College to face the Eagles. The Hokies will then close out the regular season with a home game against the Virginia Cavaliers, their in-state rivals.
The Hokies’ schedule is highlighted by several key matchups. The game against the Tar Heels will be a rematch of the 2024 ACC Championship Game, which the Tar Heels won. The game against the Mountaineers will be the first meeting between the two teams since 2021. The game against the Panthers will be the first meeting between the two teams since 2019. The game against the Cavaliers will be the 104th meeting between the two schools, and the Hokies will be looking to avenge their loss to the Cavaliers in 2024.
The Hokies’ 2025 schedule will be a challenging one, but it is also a schedule that is full of opportunities. The Hokies will have the chance to prove themselves against some of the best teams in the country, and they will also have the chance to make a statement in the ACC. The Hokies have a lot of talent on their roster, and they will be looking to make a run at the ACC Championship Game in 2025.
Virginia Tech Football’s Ambitious Push for a 2025 Return to Glory
Embarking on a Bold Vision: Redefining Tech Football
Virginia Tech football is poised to embark on an ambitious journey with the ultimate goal of reclaiming its former glory by 2025. Determined to restore the program’s prominence, head coach Brent Pry and his staff have meticulously crafted a comprehensive plan that encompasses every aspect of the team, from recruiting to player development to game-day preparation.
The foundation of this bold vision lies in a relentless pursuit of excellence. Coach Pry has instilled a winning mindset throughout the organization, emphasizing the importance of hard work, discipline, and attention to detail. By fostering a culture of accountability and a thirst for improvement, the Hokies aim to create a team capable of competing at the highest level.
Furthermore, strategic investments in player development will play a pivotal role in Tech’s resurgence. The team has assembled a top-notch coaching staff with a proven track record of nurturing talent. By providing world-class training facilities, state-of-the-art technology, and individualized player plans, the Hokies will empower their athletes to reach their full potential.
Rebuilding the Fortress: Lane Stadium as the Intimidating Crucible
At the heart of Virginia Tech’s resurgence lies Lane Stadium, a hallowed ground renowned for its electric atmosphere and passionate fan base. Under the leadership of Coach Pry, the Hokies aim to transform Lane Stadium into an intimidating crucible where visiting teams fear to tread.
Tapping into the unwavering support of the Hokie Nation, the team will cultivate a sense of unity and purpose. By galvanizing the crowd and generating an overwhelming home-field advantage, the Hokies will make Lane Stadium a fortress, a place where opponents’ dreams are shattered.
A Challenging Path: Navigating the ACC Landscape
The ACC, renowned for its competitive nature and high level of play, presents a formidable challenge to Virginia Tech’s aspirations. However, the Hokies are undeterred and embrace the opportunity to test their mettle against the best.
Led by Coach Pry, who has a proven track record of success in the ACC, the team will meticulously prepare for each and every game, leaving no stone unturned in their quest for victory. By mastering the nuances of the game and developing a versatile and cohesive unit, the Hokies will strive to conquer the ACC and reclaim their place among the nation’s elite.
Timeline for Resurgence: A Gradual Ascent to Glory
Coach Pry and his staff recognize that the road to glory is a marathon, not a sprint. The team’s resurgence will not happen overnight but rather through a gradual and methodical process.
| Year | Goal |
|---|---|
| 2022 | Establish a solid foundation, develop team culture, and lay the groundwork for future success. |
| 2023 | Take a significant step forward, contend for a bowl game, and build momentum for the future. |
| 2024 | Establish themselves as a legitimate contender in the ACC, challenge for a division title, and earn a berth in a major bowl game. |
| 2025 | Reclaim their status as a national powerhouse, compete for an ACC Championship, and make a run at the College Football Playoff. |
Throughout this journey, the Hokies will remain focused on the long-term objective while celebrating each small victory along the way. By embracing the challenges that lie ahead and staying committed to the process, Virginia Tech football will ultimately achieve its ambitious goal of a 2025 return to glory.
Non-Conference Tests Galore: Can the Hokies Navigate a Challenging Slate?
Early Season Road Trips
Virginia Tech’s non-conference schedule is full of challenges, starting with a tough road trip in Week 2 to Old Dominion. The Monarchs have been a consistent winner in recent years, and playing in their new on-campus stadium should create an electric atmosphere. The Hokies will then travel to West Virginia in Week 3, renewing a bitter rivalry that has been dormant since 2019. The Mountaineers are rebuilding under new head coach Neal Brown, but their home field advantage makes them a dangerous opponent.
Home Games Against Powerhouse Opponents
The Hokies will host two major Power Five opponents this season: North Carolina and Penn State. North Carolina finished last season in the top 25 and returns a lot of talent, including star quarterback Drake Maye. Penn State is always a formidable opponent, and they will be looking to bounce back from a disappointing 2022 campaign. These games will provide a great opportunity for the Hokies to prove themselves against top-tier competition.
Late Season Matchup Against Rival Boston College
Virginia Tech’s non-conference schedule concludes with a home game against Boston College in Week 11. The Eagles are a longtime rival, and this game has been a toss-up in recent years. Boston College is coming off a disappointing 2022 season, but they always seem to play the Hokies tough. This game will have major implications for both teams’ bowl eligibility.
Non-Conference Schedule
| Date | Opponent | Location |
|---|---|---|
| September 2 | Old Dominion | Norfolk, VA |
| September 9 | West Virginia | Morgantown, WV |
| September 16 | North Carolina | Blacksburg, VA |
| September 23 | Akron | Blacksburg, VA |
| October 7 | Penn State | Blacksburg, VA |
| October 21 | Boston College | Blacksburg, VA |
ACC Play Highlights: Key Matchups in the Quest for a Championship
September 19th: Louisville Cardinals at Lane Stadium
The Hokies will open their conference schedule at home against the Louisville Cardinals. Louisville finished 6-7 last season, but they return a solid core of players, including quarterback Malik Cunningham. This will be a tough test for Virginia Tech, but it’s a game they should be able to win. Louisville’s defense has some weaknesses, and the Hokies’ offense should be able to take advantage of them.
October 28th: Pittsburgh Panthers at Lane Stadium
The Hokies will host the Pittsburgh Panthers on October 28th. Pittsburgh finished 6-5 last season, but they lost a lot of talent to the NFL Draft. This will be a good opportunity for Virginia Tech to pick up a conference win. The Panthers’ offense is not very good, and the Hokies’ defense should be able to shut them down.
November 12th: Miami Hurricanes at Hard Rock Stadium
The Hokies will travel to face the Miami Hurricanes on November 12th. Miami finished 7-5 last season, but they lost their starting quarterback, D’Eriq King, to injury. This is a game that Virginia Tech could win, but it will be tough. The Hurricanes have a lot of talent on offense, and the Hokies’ defense will need to play well to stop them.
|Date |Opponent |Location|
|—|—|—|
|September 19th |Louisville Cardinals |Lane Stadium|
|October 28th |Pittsburgh Panthers |Lane Stadium|
|November 12th |Miami Hurricanes |Hard Rock Stadium|
Home Field Advantage: The Hokies Aim to Reclaim Lane Stadium as a Fortress
Lane Stadium has long been regarded as one of the nation’s most intimidating venues, but in recent years, its reputation has taken a slight dip. The Hokies haven’t won a home game against a Power Five opponent since 2019, and their overall home record over the past five seasons is just 24-15. With a new coaching staff and a talented roster, Virginia Tech is looking to reclaim Lane Stadium as a true home-field advantage in 2025.
Key Matchups
The Hokies’ 2025 home schedule features some significant matchups that could help them turn things around. They open the season against Delaware, which shouldn’t be a problem, but their second home game against West Virginia will be a significant test. The Mountaineers are a rising program that has won four consecutive bowl games. Later in the season, Virginia Tech will host Louisville, Boston College, and Georgia Tech. All three of those teams are beatable, but they will be looking to pull an upset in Blacksburg.
Schedulling Analysis
The Hokies’ home schedule is relatively balanced in terms of strength. They have three games against Power Five opponents (West Virginia, Louisville, and Georgia Tech) and three games against Group of Five opponents (Delaware, Boston College, and Old Dominion). The Power Five opponents are all beatable, but they will be a challenge, especially West Virginia. The Hokies should be able to win all three of their games against Group of Five opponents, but they can’t afford to overlook any of them.
|Opponents | Power 5 | Group of Five|
| — | — | — |
| West Virginia | Yes | No |
| Louisville | Yes | No |
| Georgia Tech | Yes | No |
| Delaware | No | Yes |
| Boston College | Yes | No |
| Old Dominion | No | Yes |
The Impact of New Head Coach Brent Pry on the 2025 Season
Brent Pry, who previously served as Penn State’s defensive coordinator, took over as Virginia Tech’s head coach in December 2021. His arrival has brought renewed excitement and anticipation to the Hokies program. Pry is known for his defensive prowess, and he has already begun to implement his schemes in Blacksburg. The Hokies have a talented defensive roster, and with Pry’s guidance, they could be one of the top units in the ACC in 2025.
Pry’s Defensive Scheme
Pry’s defensive scheme is predicated on creating pressure on the quarterback and forcing turnovers. He likes to use a variety of blitzes and stunts to confuse opposing offenses. The Hokies have several talented pass rushers, including Trevon Hill and Dax Hollifield, who should benefit from Pry’s aggressive approach.
Pry’s Development of Young Players
Pry has a reputation for developing young players. At Penn State, he helped to turn several three-star recruits into NFL draft picks. He will need to do the same at Virginia Tech if he wants to build a sustainable winner. The Hokies have a number of talented freshmen and sophomores on their roster, and Pry will need to get them up to speed quickly.
Pry’s Reconnection with the Virginia Tech Community
Pry is a Virginia Tech alumnus, and he has a strong connection to the Blacksburg community. He understands the importance of tradition, and he is committed to restoring Virginia Tech to its former glory. Pry has already made a number of positive changes to the program, including hiring a new strength and conditioning coach and implementing a new nutrition plan. He is also working to improve the team’s academic performance.
Pry’s Expectations for the 2025 Season
Pry has set high expectations for the 2025 season. He believes that the Hokies can compete for an ACC championship if they execute his game plan. The Hokies have a favorable schedule in 2025, with only two games against ranked opponents. If they can take care of business against the lesser teams on their schedule, they could be in a position to make a run at the ACC title.
2025 Schedule
| Date | Opponent | Location | Kickoff |
|---|---|---|---|
| September 6 | William & Mary | Blacksburg, VA | 12:00 PM |
| September 13 | UTSA | San Antonio, TX | 3:30 PM |
| September 20 | Indiana | Blacksburg, VA | 7:00 PM |
| September 27 | North Carolina | Chapel Hill, NC | 3:30 PM |
| October 4 | Duke | Blacksburg, VA | 12:00 PM |
| October 11 | Open | ||
| October 18 | at Louisville | Louisville, KY | 3:30 PM |
| October 25 | at Georgia Tech | Atlanta, GA | 12:00 PM |
| November 1 | Pitt | Blacksburg, VA | 3:30 PM |
| November 8 | at Boston College | Chestnut Hill, MA | 3:30 PM |
| November 15 | at Miami (FL) | Miami, FL | 7:00 PM |
| November 22 | Virginia | Blacksburg, VA | 12:00 PM |
Quarterback Competition Heats Up: Who Will Lead Virginia Tech’s Offense?
As the Hokies prepare for their 2025 season, one of the most pressing questions facing the coaching staff is who will be under center. Redshirt junior Grant Wells has been the presumed starter since he arrived in Blacksburg, but his performance in 2024 left much to be desired.
Tanner Mordecai, Wake Forest Transfer
Mordecai, a former four-star recruit, has three seasons of starting experience at Wake Forest. He passed for 3,112 yards and 26 touchdowns in 2023 before missing most of 2024 due to injury. Mordecai is known for his strong arm and quick release, but his decision-making can sometimes be erratic.
Devin Brown, True Freshman
Brown was one of the highest-rated quarterback recruits in Virginia Tech’s 2025 class. He possesses a prototypical size (6’4″, 220 lbs) and a cannon arm. Brown is still raw in some areas, but his upside is undeniable.
Jaxon Howard, Redshirt Sophomore
Howard is a former walk-on who has impressed the coaching staff with his athleticism and leadership skills. He is a dual-threat quarterback who can make plays with his arm or his legs. Howard lacks experience, but his raw talent could make him a dark horse in the quarterback competition.
The table below summarizes the key statistics of Virginia Tech’s quarterback candidates:
| Player | Passing Yards | Touchdowns | Interceptions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tanner Mordecai | 3,112 | 26 | 10 |
| Grant Wells | 2,547 | 17 | 13 |
| Devin Brown | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Jaxon Howard | N/A | N/A | N/A |
Defensive Reconstruction: Pry’s Blueprint for a Resurgent Hokies Defense
Brent Pry inherited a Virginia Tech defense that ranked among the worst in the nation in several key categories in 2021. To address these deficiencies, Pry has implemented a comprehensive blueprint that emphasizes the following core principles:
1. Building a Foundation of Physicality and Toughness
Pry believes that a strong defense begins with players who are physical, tough, and willing to compete. He has instilled a demanding physical conditioning program and emphasized the importance of a hands-on, aggressive approach in practice.
2. Establishing a Simplified Scheme
Pry has simplified Virginia Tech’s defensive scheme to make it more understandable and easier for players to execute. The Hokies will primarily align in a 4-3 base defense, with an emphasis on attacking the gaps and pressuring the quarterback.
3. Emphasizing Gap Discipline and Run Defense
Stopping the run is a priority for Pry’s defense. He has implemented a rigorous gap discipline system that assigns each player a specific responsibility and emphasizes reading and attacking the running lanes.
4. Creating a High-Pressure Pass Rush
Pry wants his Hokies to be relentless in their pursuit of the quarterback. He has installed a variety of blitz packages and techniques to generate pressure and force turnovers.
5. Developing a Playmaking Secondary
Pry’s secondary will be expected to make plays on the ball and create turnovers. He has emphasized the importance of strong coverage skills, communication, and a willingness to take risks.
6. Building Depth and Versatility
Pry wants to develop a deep and versatile defense that can handle a variety of offensive schemes. He has recruited players with multiple skill sets and has emphasized the importance of cross-training and positional flexibility.
7. Establishing a Culture of Accountability and Excellence
Pry has created a culture of accountability and excellence within his defense. He expects his players to be prepared, disciplined, and committed to the team’s success. He has set high standards and has a zero-tolerance policy for complacency or excuses.
| Recruiting |
| Player Development |
| Scheme Execution |
| Game Management |
Schedule Analysis: Breaking Down the Hokies’ Year-By-Year Journey
8. Coastal Clash: Virginia Tech vs. North Carolina
This Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) Coastal Division matchup is always a highly anticipated contest. The Tar Heels, led by quarterback Drake Maye, boast a dynamic offense that can put up points in bunches. The Hokies, on the other hand, will rely on their stingy defense, led by All-American safety Nasir Peoples, to slow down Maye and the North Carolina attack. Both teams will be motivated to establish early dominance in the Coastal Division race, making this a crucial game in the Hokies’ quest for a conference championship.
Head-to-Head Record: North Carolina leads 18-15
Last Meeting: North Carolina won 39-20 in 2022
Key Players to Watch:
- Virginia Tech: QB Grant Wells, RB Bryce Duke, WR Kaleb Smith
- North Carolina: QB Drake Maye, RB Omarion Hampton, WR Josh Downs
Impact on Virginia Tech’s Season: A win over North Carolina would be a huge momentum boost for the Hokies and would keep their hopes for a Coastal Division title alive. A loss, however, could put a damper on Tech’s aspirations and signal that more work is needed within the program.
Key Injuries and Transfers: How They Will Shape the 2025 Season
The 2025 Virginia Tech football season will be shaped by several key injuries and transfers. Here’s a look at how these changes will impact the Hokies:
Quarterback
Junior quarterback Grant Wells is expected to be the starter in 2025. He’s a talented passer with a strong arm and good mobility. However, he’s also coming off a season-ending knee injury. If Wells can’t recover fully, the Hokies may have to turn to redshirt freshman Tahj Bullock or true freshman Billy Fincher.
Running Back
The Hokies lost their leading rusher from 2024, Keshawn King, to the NFL Draft. Malachi Thomas is expected to step into the starting role, but he’s coming off an ankle injury that limited him in the spring. If Thomas can’t stay healthy, the Hokies may have to rely on true freshman Jaylen Jones or redshirt sophomore Connor Blumrick.
Wide Receiver
Virginia Tech lost its top two wide receivers from 2024, Kaleb Smith and Jaylen Jones, to the NFL Draft. The Hokies have a lot of young talent at wide receiver, but they’ll need someone to step up and be a leader in 2025. Jaden Payoute, CJ Hicks, and Daequan Wright are all candidates for the starting role.
Offensive Line
The Hokies lost two starters from their offensive line in 2024, left tackle Silas Dzansi and center Johnny Jordan. They also lost starting guard Joe Crocker to a season-ending ankle injury. The Hokies have some experienced players returning on the offensive line, but they’ll need to find a way to replace Dzansi and Jordan.
Defensive Line
The Hokies lost two starters from their defensive line in 2024, defensive end TyJuan Garbutt and nose tackle Norell Pollard. Garbutt is coming off a season-ending Achilles injury. The Hokies have some talented players returning on the defensive line, but they’ll need to find a way to replace Garbutt and Pollard.
Linebacker
The Hokies lost two starters from their linebacker corps in 2024, Dax Hollifield and Alan Tisdale. Hollifield is coming off a season-ending shoulder injury. The Hokies have some talented players returning at linebacker, but they’ll need to find a way to replace Hollifield and Tisdale.
Secondary
The Hokies lost two starters from their secondary in 2024, safety Nasir Peoples and cornerback Dorian Strong. Peoples is coming off a season-ending knee injury. The Hokies have some talented players returning in the secondary, but they’ll need to find a way to replace Peoples and Strong.
Special Teams
The Hokies lost their starting punter, Oscar Bradburn, to the NFL Draft. They also lost their starting kicker, John Parker Romo, to graduation. The Hokies have some talented players returning on the special teams, but they’ll need to find a way to replace Bradburn and Romo.
Number 9
The Hokies lost their starting number 9, Connor Blumrick, to a season-ending ankle injury. Blumrick is a versatile player who can play wide receiver, tight end, or running back. The Hokies will need to find a way to replace Blumrick’s production in the passing game and in the running game.
| Player | Position | Injury/Transfer |
|---|---|---|
| Grant Wells | Quarterback | Season-ending knee injury |
| Malachi Thomas | Running Back | Ankle injury |
| Keshawn King | Running Back | Transferred to NFL |
| Kaleb Smith | Wide Receiver | Transferred to NFL |
| Jaylen Jones | Wide Receiver | Transferred to NFL |
| Silas Dzansi | Offensive Line | Transferred to NFL |
| Johnny Jordan | Center | Transferred to NFL |
| TyJuan Garbutt | Defensive End | Season-ending Achilles injury |
| Norell Pollard | Nose Tackle | Transferred to NFL |
| Dax Hollifield | Linebacker | Season-ending shoulder injury |
| Alan Tisdale | Linebacker | Transferred to NFL |
| Nasir Peoples | Safety | Season-ending knee injury |
| Dorian Strong | Cornerback | Transferred to NFL |
| Oscar Bradburn | Punter | Transferred to NFL |
| John Parker Romo | Kicker | Graduated |
| Connor Blumrick | Number 9 | Season-ending ankle injury |
10. The Rise of a Powerhouse: An In-Depth Analysis of the Hokies’ Upward Trajectory
The resurgence of Virginia Tech’s football program can be attributed to a combination of factors that have coalesced into a potent force. At its core, the Hokies have meticulously rebuilt their foundation, starting with the implementation of a rigorous recruiting strategy that has attracted a wave of talented athletes. These young prospects have seamlessly integrated into a well-established system, contributing to the team’s overall success. Under the visionary leadership of Coach Brent Pry, Virginia Tech has adopted a modern approach to football, embracing innovative offensive and defensive schemes that have kept opponents guessing. The result has been a remarkable transformation, elevating the Hokies to a position of prominence within the ACC conference and beyond.
| Year | Wins | Losses |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 10 | 3 |
| 2024 | 9 | 4 |
| 2025 | 8 | 5 |
