A New Chapter for the Hokies
Virginia Tech announced in late November that James Franklin would succeed Brent Pry as head coach, bringing a proven track record of turning programs around to a department that had stumbled through a 0‑3 start in 2024. The hiring came before Thanksgiving, signaling the administration’s urgency to arrest a slide that had left the Hokies without a clear identity after the Frank Beamer era.
Franklin, who guided Penn State to a College Football Playoff semifinal in 2024 and entered the 2025 preseason ranked No. 2, inherits a team that finished 14th in the ACC in total offense and scoring. He has repeatedly warned that institutions with deep‑rooted traditions often find it difficult to shift toward a modern, data‑driven athletic model.
Modernizing the Offensive Scheme
The offensive line, which allowed 29 sacks last season and ranked near the bottom nationally, will be a focal point of reconstruction. Returning backs such as Marcellous Hawkins, who amassed 749 rushing yards, and Ayden Greene, who contributed 251 receiving yards, provide a foundation, while new transfers are expected to inject fresh talent.
To address the shortcomings, Franklin has assembled a group of transfers from the Big Ten, including quarterback Ethan Grunkemeyer, wide receiver Que'Sean Brown, tight end Luke Reynolds, offensive lineman Logan Howland and defensive back Jaquez White. Their arrival coincides with the departure of key playmakers like Kyron Drones, OL Thomas Rimac, linebacker Caleb Woodson, defensive end Ben Bell and linebacker Jaden Keller.
Defensive Continuity
Defensively, the Hokies retain standouts Kemari Copeland, who posted 7.5 tackles for loss and 4.5 sacks, and linebacker Kaleb Spencer, who recorded 67 tackles. Their experience is intended to stabilize a unit that struggled for consistency in the previous season.
A Tough ACC slate
The schedule features matchups against traditional rivals Pittsburgh, Georgia Tech and Virginia, as well as a November 21 showdown with Miami, the preseason ACC favorite. Analysts project the Hokies to finish eighth out of 17 teams, a placement that would require overcoming five top‑six opponents.
If the new pieces click, the program could finally break out of the inconsistency that has defined its post‑Beamer years, but the road ahead remains steep.