⚡ CFB Dashboard

- QB/RB: every year we hear about how either a former QB turned WR/RB/TE or a backup QB will have some sort of package but it never gets used.

- QB/LB: Not sure why we keep going back to the past when it will never change.

- QB/LB: Think he will be the #2 (and maybe even #3 to Reynolds).

- Injury: will Be interesting to see CJF’s philosophy on roster retention and turnover going into his second and third season here.

- LB: Looks like there are some storms trying to make their way down to Blacksburg by the mid afternoon timeframe.

- 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.

- Virginia Tech is returning to an attacking four-man front, with Aycen Stevens and Penn State transfer Mylachi Williams projected to start at end and Javion Hilson available for clear pass-rush situations. - Kemari Copeland and Elhadj Fall form Virginia Tech's established starting defensive-tackle pair, with Randy Adirika, Eric Mensah and Gerard Johnson competing behind them. - Noah Chambers, converted safety Kaleb Spencer and Penn State transfer Keon Wylie project as Virginia Tech's starting linebackers, while the second-team roles remain less settled. - Jaquez White and Isaiah Brown-Murray project as the outside corners against VMI, with the expected reduction in nickel usage moving Brown-Murray outside for the opener. - Tyson Flowers and a healthy Quentin Reddish project to start at safety, while Brennan Johnson forced his way into the rotation with one of the strongest camps in the group.

- BLACKSBURG – Virginia Tech Athletics is making it easier than ever for Hokie fans to create unforgettable memories at Lane Stadium with the return of Maroon & Orange Memories for the 2026 football season. - Designed to bring fans closer to the action and make special moments even more meaningful, Maroon & Orange Memories offers a collection of unique gameday experiences that give Hokie Nation new ways to celebrate...

- Newcomer DQ Smith worked with Virginia Tech's safeties, but the staff expects him to need a couple of weeks before he is ready for a role in Brent Pry's defense, with his size also giving him potential linebacker versatility. - The observed first-team defensive group featured Aycen Stevens, Kemari Copeland, Elhadj Fall and Cortez Harris up front, Kaleb Spencer, Noah Chambers and Keon Wylie at linebacker, and Isaiah Brown-Murray, Jaquez White, Joshua Clarke, Tyson Flowers and Quentin Reddish in the secondary. - Virginia Tech prepared for VMI by having its scout team run the triple option during the media viewing window. - Ayden Greene, Queso Brown, Davion Brown and Marlion Jackson led the wide-receiver drill order, while Keylen Adams, Tyseer Denmark, Jeff Exinor Jr., Luke Stuewe, AJ Brand and Takye Heath also wore rotation-designating orange jerseys.

- LB: No depth chart today for the #Hokies, though Franklin says the team will put one out on game day.