ACC analyst sends Virginia Tech a schedule message that James Franklin can't ignore

On Monday night, the ACC officially released all teams' 2026 football schedules. This is the first one for new Virginia Tech coach James Franklin. Along with a new staff, transfers, and a talented incoming freshmen class, the former Penn State coach is going to try to quickly turn around a program that went a dismal 3-9 last season.

Before the schedule was released, we knew a couple of things. First, we knew that the Hokies were playing their three non-conference games in the first three weeks. Second, they picked up SMU as a ninth ACC game in 2026, which was required because each conference school must play 10 power conference games. Third, we knew that Virginia Tech dumped James Madison earlier this month from their schedule as the fourth non-conference game.

As far as the ACC slate goes after the three non-conference games against VMI, Old Dominion, and Maryland, it's going to be some tough sledding. Regardless, a former Hokies wide receiver, Eddie Royal, sent a message to Franklin about the upcoming season in Blacksburg.

Eddie Royal sends James Franklin a schedule message for the 2026 campaign

Royal was part of the ACCNetwork's schedule reveal on Monday night, and when it came to breaking down Virginia Tech's schedule, he had a blunt message to Franklin about the schedule. Defend Lane Stadium.

"They've got to protect home, they've got to start making Lane Stadium one of the toughest places,'' Royal said.

Protecting Lane Stadium and making it one of the toughest places for road teams hasn't been done the last couple of seasons. This past season, they lost home games to Vanderbilt, Old Dominion, Wake Forest, Louisville, and Miami. You can't lose five games at home if you're Virginia Tech in a season.

Franklin will get six home games in 2026 against VMI, Old Dominion, Pittsburgh, Georgia Tech, Stanford, and Virginia. You have to win at least four, if not five, games. Sweeping it would be nice, but defending Lane Stadium is a must. If Franklin is going to turn things around quicker than some think, defending the home field is a must. Royal is right, the fanbase is begging for it to happen.