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Tidewater Hillbilly
Joined: 01/10/2026
Posts: 54
Likes: 149
Tidewater Hillbilly
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There are really a couple of ways

to approach your question. You can consider it from a "raw talent" angle... Are the individual players better athletically? Or, you can look at potential which can be unlocked with good coaching and scheming and planning (not to mention greater inspiration of effort by individual players). You also have to account for chemistry among new groups on the field and how players may have improved (or not) in the off-season. Clearly, we expect all receivers to benefit from improved QB play. That translates to a better running game, too. AND, when the passing and running games improve (because the QB is a greater threat) the offensive line's job will get a little easier and they might just look "improved". On defense, we need leadership and effort and GREAT coaching or no positions will improve. The LB output wasn't great last year. I hope it won't be worse!
Posted: 07/24/2026 at 12:58 PM ET
(In response to this post by MKD)

Thread Replies (32)

Full Thread →
My preseason thoughts on each position group (Better, Same, Worse)
MKD • 07/24/26 09:34 AM ET
Do we have a Tuten?
likehokies • 07/25/26 02:48 PM ET
Don’t agree with the OL being the same at all. Lots of new faces added to
SCHokie1103 • 07/25/26 12:01 PM ET
I'm really excited as well. Should be a fun season. GO HOKIES **
MKD • 07/25/26 07:50 PM ET
How on earth do you have LB as worse? Chambers >>>> Keller for ceiling
hokiepro • 07/24/26 01:18 PM ET
I cannot ID a position group as same or worse than last year
hokiepro • 07/24/26 01:22 PM ET
I'd say better because all but one starter is back I think
BigDaddyHokie • 07/26/26 09:12 PM ET
I respect your opinion **
MKD • 07/24/26 04:36 PM ET
When it comes to VT sports… Pro Knows
vtchem75 • 07/24/26 06:42 PM ET
We’re deeper than last yr at every position except DT with the Laws injury
hokiepro • 07/25/26 07:34 AM ET
Good observations pro **
VaTechHokiesACC • 07/26/26 07:11 AM ET
There are really a couple of ways ◄
Tidewater Hillbilly • 07/24/26 12:58 PM ET
Tend to agree with overall assessment
MaryWashGrad • 07/24/26 12:53 PM ET
7-5 meets my expectations. But I have to admit
VT ChemE 1986 • 07/24/26 06:36 PM ET
Exactly my thoughts. 8-4 would be an outstanding season with this roster **
MKD • 07/25/26 08:53 AM ET
Pretty accurate. LBs being worse is a terrifying thought**
NOFX • 07/24/26 12:43 PM ET
But they’re not. Not close **
hokiepro • 07/24/26 01:23 PM ET
Yeah, I don't agree with that **
HokiesACC2004 • 07/25/26 12:22 AM ET
Curious what you think our record will be.
VT ChemE 1986 • 07/24/26 12:08 PM ET
7-5 but will require winning some high scoring games (shootouts)**
MKD • 07/24/26 12:24 PM ET
Our defense won't be worse than last year **
HokiesACC2004 • 07/25/26 12:23 AM ET
7-5 is reasonable but
Planner_Hokie • 07/24/26 02:10 PM ET
If LBs are "worse" then they must be awful and we know the LB coach**
George Baylor • 07/24/26 11:21 AM ET
Yeah, if LBs are worse then it's going to be a long season. **
40ozDistrict • 07/24/26 11:32 AM ET
O-line is....Better.....IMHO**
vtchem75 • 07/24/26 10:15 AM ET
You realize that mess of an OL last year was top 5 in running efficiency?
Happy Dog • 07/25/26 07:18 AM ET
+1- better blind side protection, more depth to keep them refreshed and
tallahasseehokie • 07/25/26 09:34 AM ET
They took a lot of undue blame last year
Happy Dog • 07/25/26 09:36 AM ET
Hopefully so, but I don't expect much improvement this year.
MKD • 07/24/26 12:25 PM ET
Depth and play are two different metrics**
Tombo • 07/24/26 09:06 PM ET
You do realize we brought in better players and have way more depth!?**
hokiepro • 07/24/26 01:24 PM ET
Hope you're right. On offense I agree better players and depth.
MKD • 07/24/26 04:41 PM ET
About right
CMU Hokie • 07/24/26 10:01 AM ET