Virginia Tech is set to open its 2026 season at home against Old Dominion on September 12, a matchup that has quickly become a focal point for both programs as they navigate significant roster overhauls.
The Hokies enter the game after a surprising defeat to the Monarchs a year ago, a 45‑26 loss that cost them a spot in the top tier of the Atlantic Coast Conference and led to the dismissal of head coach Brent Pry.
A New Era Under James Franklin
James Franklin, hired in the offseason, brings a fresh offensive philosophy and will rely on sophomore quarterback Ethan Grunkemeyer, who has started only seven games but showed poise in limited action last year.
Grunkemeyer’s development will be closely watched, especially as the team integrates new playmakers such as wide receiver Ayden Greene and defensive back Marcellous Hawkins, both of whom are expected to shoulder larger roles.
Old Dominion, meanwhile, is coping with the departure of several key contributors. Starting quarterback Colton Joseph transferred to Wisconsin, and top running back Trequan Jones moved to Tulsa, leaving the Monarchs with just one of their 11 offensive starters from the previous season.
Despite the attrition, the Monarchs hope that newcomers like Quinn Henicle and Devin Roche can provide stability, but the loss of experienced talent has raised questions about their ability to compete against a revitalized Virginia Tech squad.
Analysts have pegged the contest as a potential trap game, given the Hokies’ historical advantage of 4‑3 over Old Dominion and the lingering memory of last year’s defeat. The predicted final score of 35‑21 favors Virginia Tech, a projection that reflects both the Hokies’ home‑field edge and the Monarchs’ transitional challenges.
The game will be televised on The CW, giving national audiences a glimpse of a matchup that could set the tone for both teams’ campaigns. Fans in Blacksburg, Virginia, and the broader region are eager to see whether the new-look Hokies can translate preseason optimism into a decisive victory.
Beyond the immediate result, the contest underscores a broader narrative of transition in college football, where coaching changes, player transfers, and shifting power balances shape the landscape each season.