Virginia Tech enters its first season under head coach James Franklin at 4-2 overall and 1-2 in the ACC after an encouraging 4-0 start followed by narrow road and home losses to Pitt (35-33) and Cal (25-20). The Hokies have shown offensive promise behind transfer quarterback Ethan Grunkemeyer and a productive passing attack, but consecutive defeats highlighted defensive lapses, penalties, and special-teams miscues in critical moments. The remaining schedule features a home rivalry matchup against Georgia Tech plus road tests at Clemson, SMU, and Miami, offset by winnable games against Stanford and Virginia. Preseason consensus placed the win total at 7.5, reflecting expectations of steady improvement from the prior 3-9 campaign tempered by a demanding ACC slate and the challenges of building continuity in Year 1.