Last week, what had been rumored for a while became reality when the NCAA announced that the men's and women's NCAA Tournaments were expanding from 68 to 76 teams beginning next March.
Some people like it, and there are people who don't like it. There are arguments to be made for both sides on whether or not to expand the tournaments. Regardless, the expansion is here.
Now, how does that affect Virginia Tech? For the women, it shouldn't change much in terms of getting into the field. However, for Mike Young and the men, well, that's a different story. It seems like the program lives on the NCAA Tournament bubble, as it did all of the 2025-26 season.
They eventually ended up coming short of reaching the 68-team field. However, with the tournaments expanding, that opens the door for the Hokies to get in. Well, maybe, but according to Joe Lunardi of ESPN, expanding the field likely won't help Young next winter.
Virginia Tech's bubble position will likely still be a familiar one for fans
Now, let's point out that this is for fun by Lunardi six months before the season even starts; however, in his first 76-team bracketology, Lunardi has Virginia Tech as part of the "Next Four Out" and a familiar spot for Hokies fans.
Honestly, this shouldn't come as a surprise. It sums up the Hokies' program. Would any fans be surprised if this is how things actually play out? It seems like destiny, if we're being honest. Nobody lives year-to-year on the bubble like Virginia Tech.
So here's the thing: Young isn't finished building the roster for next season. He did get key retention from Amani Hansberry, Ben Hammond, and Tyler Johnson. However, there is still more work to do through the Transfer Portal and with any high school recruits he gets a commitment from. However, for now, the more things change, the more they stay the same, it appears.
Add us as a preferred source on Google