Another sure sign that the 2026 college football season is right around the corner is the release of the Associated Press Top 25 poll on Monday. It is always one of the most anticipated releases of a poll before the season begins.
When it comes to the ACC, as usual, it begins the year disrespected when it comes to the first poll. Three teams cracked the top 25: Miami at No. 7, SMU at No. 19, and Louisville at No. 24. Clemson just missed out as the first team to receive votes. However, when it comes to Virginia Tech, the James Franklin effect was, well, in full effect. The Hokies were 37th, with six votes. Do you want to see Little Brother fans meltdown on social media? Virginia just received one vote. Anyway, was it surprising that the ACC was disrespected? It shouldn't be.
Virginia Tech receives six votes in the first AP poll
Coming off a 3-9 season in 2025, Virginia Tech hired Franklin, and all of a sudden, things changed surrounding the Hokies program. Not many 3-9 teams the previous season go from three wins to six votes. How about Virginia? An 11-win season, and they only got one vote. Imagine being a Cavaliers fan and acting like they have been Alabama for the last couple of decades after just one good season, and then they only get one vote the following season? Epic meltdowns coming on social media.
Anyway, as far as the Hokies go, it wouldn't be surprising to see them vault up the rankings early in the season if they take care of business on the field each week. They have a favorable schedule beginning with home games against VMI and Old Dominion before road games at Maryland and Boston College. After the ACC opener against BC, things will get tougher with each passing week, and there is the opportunity to make some hay if you're Virginia Tech.
It is very understandable as to why the Hokies only got six votes. Despite hiring Franklin, it's still a prove-it first season in Blacksburg for Virginia Tech and Franklin. One prediction here is that the Hokies will make an appearance in the top 25 before the middle of the season and will end up finishing between 20 and 25 when the final poll is released after the National Championship Game. If that happens, then it will be a very successful first season for Franklin at Virginia Tech. Sitting under the radar with six votes is just what James Franklin likes to see.
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