2026 ACC/SEC Challenge Sets Historic Matchups
The Virginia Tech Hokies will open the 2026 basketball calendar with a home game against the Ole Miss Rebels on December 1, followed two days later by a clash with the Tennessee Lady Volunteers on December 3. Both contests are part of the ACC/SEC Challenge, a annual showcase that pits top programs from the two conferences against each other.
Historically, the Hokies hold a 3‑2 edge over Ole Miss in five meetings, highlighted by an 83‑80 overtime victory in 2017 when Kerry Blackshear scored 17 points and Buzz Williams coached the team. The women’s side enjoys a 4‑1 advantage in the last five encounters with Tennessee, including a 73‑64 Sweet Sixteen win in 2023.
Rivalry History and Recent Results
Despite the favorable series records, the men’s team has endured a four‑year NCAA Tournament absence, while the women have reached the tournament in five of the past six seasons. The 2026 women’s squad, however, saw its campaign cut short in the opening round by the Oregon Ducks.
Coaching continuity has played a role in these narratives. Williams, who guided the Hokies in both the 2016 and 2017 games against Ole Miss, remains a central figure, while Blackshear’s double‑digit performance in the 2017 overtime win underscores the program’s past offensive firepower.
Postseason Aspirations
Looking ahead, the Hokies aim to translate their historical advantages into postseason relevance, hoping to break the men’s tournament drought and extend the women’s recent streak of tournament appearances.