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I think Notre Dame is more like a blue collar type team

Even though I'm not a fan of ND, I must admit they know what they're doing in the age of NIL and execute without fail on most opportunities.

The new upgrades to Notre Dame facilities.

It is absolutely unreal and magnificent amenities. It's probably the best in all of college football. Just saw the video walk through. One word, WOW

It's difficult to really know anything about the team by playing this game.

Mostly just timing routes with receivers, did they make the right decisions on gaps, was the basic execution true to form, etc. So hard to evaluate anything else because the speed, size, and strength are just on different levels. Mainly just reps for the 2s and 3s. Injuries is the big concern for any starters or rotational players.

Heard it on a Sports Illustrated ACC review podcast, 247 Podcast,

CBS podcast, and a few others. There were different reasons such as Baker's better mobility if the O like doesn't improve, EG wants more NIL than VT is willing to pay, possible injury to EG during the season, etc. I personally think EG is a significant upgrade over Drones, but do I see him as a 2 or 3 year starter, no I don't.

Just from a raw talent prospective, however I think EG has the

advantage. I will say this, if the O line can't hold up, I expect BB to get some playing time early in the season.

Hopefully he does well. Many college football analysts are predicting

that by next year, Baker will be the starter. The O line must protect EG and the receivers have to catch most of the 50-50 balls. If those 2 things happen, VT's offense could be efficient.

Biggest concern for this season is the defense.

There simply isn't enough P4 talent and depth at this point. By next year, the defense should be in the top 6 of the ACC conference.

If somehow they end up 9-3, it will be the result of winning several high

scoring games. The defense needs another year to obtain more talent and get more experience. The D Line is a big concern and linebacker depth is a big concern in my opinion. GO HOKIES!

Ethan Grunkemeyer ACC quarterback rating by end of the season

I think he could end up in the top 5 if, and that's a BIG IF, the O line can protect. I think the use of the tight ends will be the key to his success. If, as a collective group, they have 75+ catches and over a 1,000 yards Ethan will have a good season. I'm super excited to watch the TE play this year, both from a blocking and receiving standpoint. GO HOKIES

Hope you're right. On offense I agree better players and depth.

On defense, I just don't see any significant upgrades at any position group especially with Laws most likely out for at least half the season.

Sports Illustrated doesn't even have him in the 2 deep.

Maybe he's available the last few games of the season, but I believe he will sit out the year.

My preseason thoughts on each position group (Better, Same, Worse)

How about yours? O Line = Same Quarterback = Better Running Back = Better Tight End = Better Receiver = Better D Line = Same Linebacker = Worse Corner = Same Safety = Same Special Teams = Better I think the defense needs another year and a significant upgrade in talent. The offense has the potential to be top 5 in the ACC.

I'm concerned about the D Line depth this year.

I believe the defense will need another year before they're in the top 6 of the ACC.

@Chris Coleman Is Laws going to be able to play this year?

I keep hearing some rumblings that he could miss the first half of the season. Maybe it's just rumors and not true. Thought you might have some insight on his availability. Thanks Chris

Probably a 2

We knew what Drones brought to the table and Pop's skill set was very limited. Behind them were 2 quarterbacks who were not P4 talent.

It's a 3 for me because only one has any game experience.

Also, I would guess they are the youngest overall QB position group in the ACC and perhaps in all of P4. Would be interesting to look up that statistic.

Agree with you as well. The only real elite athlete on the team is

Overton. Reynolds has potential to be elite at TE. I think the O line may have improved marginally, but depth is a big concern for that position group.

The biggest improvement I think will make or break this season is..

The number of rushing touchdowns by the running backs. Other than Drones last year, they only had 4 rushing TDs (Hawkins had just one if I'm not mistaken). You're not going to win many games with that type production. I think Franklin has a goal of at least 2-3 rushing touchdowns per game because without the threat of a run game, the passing game can't excel in the red zone. GO HOKIES!

Thanks David. I agree completely.

My guess is the players voted they didn't want to participate.

@David Cunningham What are your thoughts on VT announcing they'll

decline an invitation to the NIT tourney? Any news on CMY getting a new contract? Thanks

Hope VT pulls out a win here at the end, but Neo is bad shooter.

He looks so awkward almost every time he puts up a shot. It's like he's got some kind of hitch in his upper body motion.

ESPN ranking best newcomer classes. Article was published on Wednesday

16. Virginia Tech Hokies Top recruits: ATH Davion Brown, RB Messiah Mickens, QB Troy Huhn, OT Thomas Wilder, CB Amauri Polydor Coach James Franklin wasted no time earning a top-25 recruiting class after arriving in Blacksburg and brought in a lot of familiar faces. Brown is a multiple‑tool athlete who projects as a gadget slot/return weapon and special teams playmaker. Mickens fits the backfield rotation as a compact, one‑cut runner with contact balance and third‑down receiving chops. Huhn is not likely to start, but as a dual-threat QB, he can push the position and work into packages as a high‑ceiling option. With an O-line rebuild, Wilder gives Virginia Tech tackle depth with the size and movement to grow into a Power 4 starter. Polydor brings length and physicality at corner with immediate special‑teams upside and a path into the nickel/boundary mix. Transfers: QB Ethan Grunkemeyer, TE Luke Reynolds, WR Que'Sean Brown, DE Javion Hilson, OLB Daniel Jennings, OL Logan Howland Virginia Tech's portal class is built for instant, scheme‑fit upgrades. Grunkemeyer is a rhythm/timing passer who finished strong at Penn State. He threw for 1,348 yards and had nine total touchdowns in 2025, and his arm strength, pocket instincts and competitiveness should immediately stabilize the Hokies' quarterback room. Reynolds is a prototypical H/TE mismatch (35 catches, 368 yards at Penn State) who finds seams against zone defenses, wins jump balls and blocks enough to be trusted inline on play‑action and heavy personnel packages. Brown is a quick slot and return weapon who turns short throws into explosive gains with soft hands and elite body control (105 career catches, 1,291 yards, seven touchdowns). On defense, Hilson adds rotational edge power after transferring from Missouri, and Jennings brings versatile off‑ball linebacker play in coverage and the box.

I think 9 wins is the ceiling, and 5 wins is the floor

The O line and linebackers are my two biggest concerns. Safeties are also another position that needs significant improvement.

@David Cunningham is it possible if VT is NIT bound, they

don't accept the invite due to the fact they would indeed lose money due to expenses, etc.? Also, it would have no impact on next year's team regarding more experience playing together because the roster will be completely different in 2027.

He's the type of quarterback who can thrive if protected.

That will be the biggest challenge for VT. The O line will need to be significantly better. I believe they'll improve, but will it be enough in 2026...

I think he misspoke about a sellout because supposedly it's free.

Fuente was horrible at Virginia recruiting and it really damaged the relationship in which Pry tried to repair.