Virginia Tech Hokies

Virginia Tech enters 2026 with a fresh start under head coach James Franklin, who brought quarterback Ethan Grunkemeyer from Penn State. Grunkemeyer threw for 777 yards, six touchdowns and no interceptions in his final four games last season. The offense also features running back Marcellous Hawkins, who ranked fifth in the ACC at 6.35 yards per carry, and wide receiver Que'Sean Brown, who transferred from Duke after 846 receiving yards and five touchdowns. The offensive line, which struggled in pass protection last year, returns center Kyle Altuner but has competition at every other spot.

Brent Pry, fired as head coach last September, returns as defensive coordinator under Franklin, a role he held at Penn State. The defense is anchored by interior lineman Kemari Copeland, who had 7.5 tackles for loss and 4.5 sacks in 2025. The secondary is bolstered by safety Quentin Reddish returning from a shoulder injury, cornerbacks Jaquez White (Troy transfer) and Kenny Woseley Jr. (Penn State transfer), and Joshua Clarke back from a torn ACL. The pass defense, which ranked 81st nationally in yards allowed, is expected to improve, but linebacker and front-seven depth remain concerns beyond Copeland.

Placekicker John Love is a two-time All-ACC honorable mention who has made 84.4% of his career field goals and booted five from 50-plus yards in the past two years. His reliability gives the Hokies a consistent scoring threat. Que'Sean Brown could also provide a boost to the punt return game, which has been stagnant.

Virginia Tech has not played for an ACC championship in 10 years or won one in 16 years. Franklin's hiring, combined with recent athletic department investment, signals a push to return to contention. An opposing ACC assistant coach noted that Franklin's blueprint from Vanderbilt and Penn State should make Tech one of the top three programs in the ACC. While it may take more than a year to fully rebuild, the days of 3-9 seasons appear over.