Coming off a very disappointing 2024 season, things are going to look a lot different in 2025 for the Virginia Tech football team. There were several key losses to the roster to the NFL Draft and the transfer portal with some new faces coming in. They were set up for a ton of success last fall between retention and portal additions, along with a very favorable schedule. Not in 2025.
To go along with all the losses on the roster, the Hokies face a much more difficult schedule in the fall with a ton of questions surrounding the roster, as well as health to some key players. Now that the dust has settled on spring practices, let's predict the Hokies' 2025 record with game-by-game picks.
Aug. 31: vs. South Carolina in Atlanta
What a difficult way to begin the season against the Gamecocks in Atlanta on a Sunday in a stand-alone game. Under Shane Beamer, South Carolina is looking for QB LaNorris Sellers to lead them again this season and take the next step in the SEC. This is a very difficult opener for Brent Pry and his staff that which won't end well.
Prediction: South Carolina 31, Virginia Tech 13
Virginia Tech Record: 0-1
Sept. 6: vs. Vanderbilt
Last season, Virginia Tech opened the season in Nashville and lost in overtime, 34-27, in what was a sign of things to come. The good news is that the Commodores return the favor and visit Blacksburg this season. The bad news? Quarterback Diego Pavia is back, and Vanderbilt is going to be a very difficult game on short rest. There is a hunch here that they will find a way to win this game.
Prediction: Virginia Tech 27, Vanderbilt 23
Virginia Tech Record: 1-1
Sept. 13: vs. Old Dominion
A series continues that the Hokies have nothing to gain from other than maybe becoming bowl-eligible at the end of the season, and everything to lose. A loss to the Monarchs at home would be devastating.
Prediction: Virginia Tech 38, Old Dominion 16
Virginia Tech Record: 2-1
Sept. 20: vs. Wofford
The final non-conference game for the Hokies will be their third straight home game against the Terriers. This is what in basketball is considered a "bye" game and the Hokies should roll to a win where some backups get some playing time.
Prediction: Virginia Tech 45, Wofford 14
Virginia Tech Record: 3-1
Sept. 27: at North Carolina State
Virginia Tech opens ACC play at NC State in a game that will be difficult. The Wolfpack are looking to bounce-back in 2025 after a disappointing bowl loss to East Carolina. NC State is a tough team at home and the Hokies will find out just how tough.
Prediction: NC State 28, Virginia Tech 17
Virginia Tech Record: 3-2 (0-1 ACC)
Oct. 4: vs. Wake Forest
First-year Demon Deacons' coach Jake Dickert brings his team to Blacksburg in what is a must-win conference game for the Hokies if there is one. The conference schedule only gets tougher from here and if Tech wants to become bowl-eligible, a win here is an almost must.
Prediction: Virginia Tech 31, Wake Forest 21
Virginia Tech Record: 4-2 (1-1 ACC)
Oct. 11: at Georgia Tech
You can bet that the Yellow Jackets have this game circled on their schedule. Last season, the Hokies grinded out a win over Georgia Tech at home, who was without QB Haynes King, who is back for 2025. This will be Tech's seventh straight game without a bye, and hopefully, health won't be an issue for them traveling to Atlanta.
Prediction: Georgia Tech 35, Virginia Tech 20
Virginia Tech Record: 4-3 (1-2 ACC)
Oct. 24: vs. California
This season's weeknight game at Lane Stadium will be on a Friday when the Golden Bears make the cross-country flight for the program's first game as conference foes. When Virginia Tech plays a weeknight game at home, things usually end up with a favorable result, especially coming off a bye like they will be entering this game.
Prediction: Virginia Tech 27, California 17
Virginia Tech Record: 5-3 (2-2 ACC)
Nov. 1: vs. Louisville
Two years ago, Virginia Tech traveled to the Cardinals and were blown out in a November game that had ACC Championship Game ramifications. That won't be the case this year, but Louisville coach Jeff Brohm has loaded his squad up for a run at a conference championship and they'll enjoy this trip to Blacksburg.
Prediction: Louisville 30, Virginia Tech 17
Virginia Tech Record: 5-4 (2-3 ACC)
Nov. 15: at Florida State
If there is a team that is looking for a huge bounce-back season, it's the Seminoles. They picked up Boston College quarterback Thomas Castellanos in the portal, but the last couple of seasons, Virginia Tech had a lot of success against him when he was at BC. FSU, however, will be different with more athletes and better players around him than he had with the Eagles.
Prediction: Florida State 29, Virginia Tech 20
Virginia Tech Record: 5-5 (2-4 ACC)
Nov. 22: vs. Miami
Speaking of having games circled on their calendar, Virginia Tech and all Hokies' fans have this game circled after the bizarre ending back in September in South Florida. The Hurricanes have brought in Georgia transfer Carson Beck as their QB and Mario Cristobal will again be trying to get his team over the hump and into the ACC Championship Game.
Prediction: Miami 31, Virginia Tech 24
Virginia Tech Record: 5-6 (2-5 ACC)
Nov. 29: at Virginia
Stop me if you've heard this before. Virginia Tech and Virginia meet on Thanksgiving Weekend with the Hokies needing a win to become bowl-eligible. That has happened the last two years, and it wouldn't be surprising to see it happen for a third straight year. This game will be tougher than it was two years ago in Charlottesville, but until the Cavaliers can beat the Hokies, we'll go with Tech.