⚡ CFB Dashboard

- QB: Three seasons trying to convert a dual threat QB into a pocket passer behind an Online that struggles in pass protection being coached by Online coaches that excel in run blocking schemes.

- Captain Ethan Grunkemeyer is projected to start at quarterback for Virginia Tech over Bryce Baker after following James Franklin from Penn State, where he started the final seven games of 2025. - Marcellous Hawkins and Jeff Overton Jr. are expected to function as co-starting running backs, while Tyler Mason and freshman Messiah Mickens compete for reserve work with Bill Davis injured. - Ayden Greene and slot receiver Que'Sean Brown project as Virginia Tech's highest-volume targets, with Louisiana Tech transfer Marlion Jackson likely starting opposite Greene. - Luke Reynolds and Benji Gosnell give Virginia Tech two proven receiving tight ends, and Ty Howle's offense is expected to feature both in multiple-tight-end packages that attack the seams and provide outlets against pressure. - Virginia Tech's projected line has Kyle Altuner anchoring center, Justin Terry favored at left tackle because Logan Howland has battled injuries, and Aidan Lynch's rise at right tackle pushing Montavious Cunningham inside to guard.

- 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.

- Virginia Tech's confirmed opening offensive line is Justin Terry, Layth Ghannam, Kyle Altuner, Montavious Cunningham and Aidan Lynch from left tackle to right tackle. - Aidan Lynch's strong final weeks of camp secured right tackle and allowed Cunningham to move inside to right guard, putting the staff's preferred five blockers on the field. - Virginia Tech wants to rotate six or seven linemen, using Cunningham at guard or tackle and Terry at tackle or guard so reserves are prepared before an injury forces them into action. - Johnny Garrett will miss an extended period, while Logan Howland and Brody Meadows are still returning from injuries but are expected to hold roles once available.

- 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.