Virginia Tech athletic predictions for the 2024 calendar year
By Scott Roche
It's hard to believe it, but 2024 is here. It was an up and down 2023 in terms of athletics at Virginia Tech, but there are signs that 2024 could be one of the better years for the Hokies. With that said, here are some predictions for Virginia Tech Athletics for the next 12 months.
1. Men's Basketball misses the NCAA Tournament
There are still 18 ACC games remaining for head coach Mike Young and his team, but it's hard to see them finding enough wins to get into the NCAA Tournament. They are a team that relies on their 3-point shooting and despite the emergence of Lynn Kidd, they struggle to rebound the ball and guard athletic teams. An NIT bid is likely in their future again in March.
2. Women's Basketball Advances to the Elite Eight
Last March was one that Virginia Tech women's basketball won't forget with Kenny Brooks and his team winning the ACC Tournament Championship and then winning the Seattle Regional to advance to the Final Four in Dallas, but losing to LSU in the semifinals. This season they return Elizabeth Kitley, Georgia Amoore, and Cayla King with a good supporting cast, but they will need consistent depth from their bench. One more prediction for the Hokies is that Kitley will win another ACC Player of the Year Award.
3. Softball team returns to the NCAA Tournament
Last season the Hokies made the NCAA Tournament, but lost on Opening Weekend in the Athens Regional. They sandwiched losses to Georgia around wins over Boston University. This season, the Hokies will get another shot early in the season with the Bulldogs in late February.
4. Kyron Drones ends up in the Heisman conversation
Some people might think this is crazy, but it's not if you've been paying attention. I'm not saying he's going to win the award or even be in New York, however, he will be in the conversation. A full offseason with all of his receivers back, along with running back Bhayshul Tuten and the duel-threat Drones is, he should be in the conversation in 2024 for the Heisman Trophy.
5. Virginia Tech football wins 10 games
The hype around the Hokies is real and with the returning players, transfer additions, and some of the promising recruits coming that can make an impact, 10 wins is not out of the question. Their non-conference schedule is certainly manageable and if they win five ACC games this season, there's no reason they won't improve next fall.
6. Nick Gallo returns for 2024
At the end of training camp, Brent Pry announced that tight end Nick Gallo was lost for the season with an injury. It was a big blow to the position of the Hokies. Dae'Quan Wright has entered the transfer portal and with no tight end in this recruiting class, Gallo returning on a medical redshirt is very much an option.
7. Virginia Tech baseball makes the NCAA Tourneamnt
Last season the Hokies won 30 games, but missed out on the NCAA Tournament after getting swept out of the ACC Tournament. They have a good recruiting class coming withas some veterans returning and should be in the mix of the conference this season.
8. Virginia Tech football begins 2024 ranked in Top 20
After finishing the season 7-6 and getting most of their players back along with key transfers and a good recruiting class, the hype around Virginia Tech will be real and they should be a Top 20 ranked team when the season begins.
With the calendar changing to 2024, there is a lot to like with Virginia Tech athletics going into the New Year. Happy New Year to all the great Hokies fans and here's to a fun 2024!