2026 Virginia Tech Football Preview: The Linebackers

Chris Coleman

Lead Analyst and Columnist

August 25, 2026 8

Virginia Tech defensive coordinator and linebackers coach Brent Pry mentioned at media day that he wished he had another piece in his room.

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Lancelot Link August 26, 2026 at 5:32 AM

Hopefully Pry won’t cross train them all to an equal level of mediocrity
RustyHokie94 August 25, 2026 at 7:45 PM

Is this about the right weight for LBs at other schools in the ACC? Are they all like 10-15lbs light for a serious football school? I'm good with being wrong--just wanted to know what you think.
1. Chris Coleman August 26, 2026 at 9:05 AM
  
  Should be fine. Clemson's two starters are 235, which is slightly bigger than our starters. But their two backups are 5-11, 225, and 6-0, 220. I think our guys are pretty normal.
VBHokieman August 25, 2026 at 4:33 PM

Ballance will surprise some folks. When he gets a chance to get on the field he has produced and the guys see it in practice and how he conducts himself off the field. Can't wait.
GusDaMan August 25, 2026 at 2:58 PM

welp. guess I need to learn Wiggins number now too haha (it's 39....probably not gonna remember that one). I noticed you didn't mention Santiago at all, but I thought he was back from whatever had been keeping him out of practice?
1. WestCoast August 25, 2026 at 3:36 PM
  
  Yeah what about Santiago?
2. Chris Coleman August 25, 2026 at 7:23 PM
  
  He's back now, but I have no idea what position he's working at. Last year he was mostly an OLB, but I think he's better suited for an ILB role, probably will. Hopefully he can find a spot in the two-deep.
SarahVTHokie24 August 25, 2026 at 2:07 PM

Good stuff