Virginia Tech Hokies Aim for Improvement with New Coaching Staff

The Virginia Tech Hokies are gearing up for the 2026 college football season with renewed optimism following a challenging 3-9 campaign last year. Under the guidance of new head coach James Franklin, the Hokies are looking to leverage a revamped roster and a favorable schedule to make significant strides in the ACC. A key strength for the team lies in its offensive skill talent, highlighted by the addition of Penn State transfer quarterback Ethan Grunkemeyer, who demonstrated impressive performance in his previous season. With a completion rate of 69% and over 1,300 passing yards, Grunkemeyer is expected to elevate the Hokies' passing game. Surrounding him are promising pass catchers, including Ayden Greene and Duke transfer Que'Sean Brown, who bring versatility and explosiveness to the offense. The backfield also shows promise with Marcellous Hawkins and Jeffrey Overton Jr. providing different styles of play. However, the Hokies face challenges on the defensive front, where questions about depth and pass-rush production persist. Standout defensive tackle Kemari Copeland is a bright spot, but the overall consistency of the defensive unit will be crucial, especially with tough road games against Clemson, SMU, and Miami on the horizon. Virginia Tech's path to success hinges on the offense's ability to perform while the defense develops into a reliable force. If these elements align, the Hokies could exceed expectations in Franklin's first season at the helm.