After a very long offseason coming off a 3-9 campaign and James Franklin being hired as the next head coach at Virginia Tech, the Hokies' 2026 football season will kick off on Saturday night at Lane Stadium at 7:30 p.m. on the ACC Network in front of a sold-out crowd in Blacksburg.
There hasn't been this much hype around a season-opening game against an FCS school at Virginia Tech in a long time. The James Franklin effect. It's real. There are a lot of new faces on the roster, and there are a lot of new faces on the coaching staff. This is the first of 12 games for the Hokies this season, and it should be a chance to get a lot of people some snaps on both sides of the ball.
Virginia Tech will enter the game as a nearly an eight-touchdown favorite. Yes, you read that right. With that said, here are the latest odds and predictions for the Hokies ' season opener.
Virginia Tech vs. VMI: final odds, spread and total
Odds provided by FanDuel Sportsbook
Moneyline
- Virginia Tech (Off)
- VMI (Off)
Spread
- Virginia Tech -55.5 (-110)
- VMI -55.5 (-112)
Total
- 62.5 (over -112/under -118)
Game odds refresh periodically and are subject to change. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem and wants help, call 1-800-GAMBLER.
Virginia Tech vs. VMI prediction
Let's face it, this should be a blowout win. VMI opened their season last weekend in Week 0 with a 38-10 loss at Idaho State. The Keydets run the triple option, but again, it shouldn't make a difference when all is said and done.
As far as Virginia Tech goes, getting out of the game healthy and getting a lot of player reps will be key. Some freshmen will get a chance to see him in game action with Davion Brown and Messiah Mickens on offense, two names to watch as skilled position players. Expect offensive coordinator Ty Howle to play UNC transfer Bryce Baker and maybe even Kelden Ryan or Troy Huhn. Franklin is going to have a lot of recruits on campus for the game, and that should be the case with each home game this season.
Prediction: Virginia Tech 48, VMI 12
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