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Virginia Tech is expected to lean on Marcellous Hawkins and Jeffrey Overton Jr. in a run-heavy opener before rotating starters out if it builds an early lead over VMI.

Ethan Grunkemeyer will work with starting receivers Ayden Greene, Que'Sean Brown and Marlion Jackson in an expected conservative game plan that may feature multiple-tight-end formations.

Offensive-line cohesion is the primary concern after several weak seasons, with the VMI matchup serving as an initial test of run blocking and protection for Grunkemeyer.

Virginia Tech may open with a seven-player defensive-end rotation led by Aycen Stevens before narrowing the group by the third week of the season.

The defense's 2026 ceiling depends heavily on linebackers Spencer, Chambers and Wylie diagnosing VMI's option concepts and tackling reliably after recent struggles at the position.