The first eight games of the James Franklin era are in the books in Blacksburg, and Virginia Tech is sitting at 6-2 following an upset on the road against Clemson on Saturday night. There is positive steps quickly being taken in Franklin's first season, which really shouldn't be a surprise to many people,
Now, with a much-needed bye week here this weekend and a road game at SMU on November 6 up next, let's take a look at and grade the Hokies and Franklin through their first eight games. For reference, instead of breaking down each position, we'll grade the units as a whole: coaching, offense, defense, and special teams.
Virginia Tech 2026 bye week report card
The offense has been very good this season, aside from shaky play-calling and execution against California. They have put up more than enough points in all of their games to win. They have put up at least 20 points in every single game this season.
Tight end Luke Reynolds has been good as advertised and is coming off a two-touchdown performance at Clemson. Quarterback Ethan Grunkemeyer is turning into one of the top signal callers in the ACC, proving that the decision by Franklin and offensive coordinator Ty Howle was the right choice over Virginia's Beau Pribula. The tight ends have been, as a whole, and the wide receivers have done a good job for Grunkemeyer.
It would be nice to see more consistency in the running game, but boht Jeffrey Overton Jr. and Marcellous Hawkins Jr. are packing a nice one-two punch. The biggest issues have been along the offensive line, where it is a patchwork line that seems to have changed each week because of injuries. All in all, not much to complain about with the offense.
Brent Pry has had good moments and, well, not-so-good moments at times this season with his defense. The defensive line has been very good and the linebackers made a major impact in their win at Clemson. However, the scondary has struggled mightly at times this season.
They were torched by Pitt, Cal, and, at times, Maryland and Georgia Tech. Who knows what would have happened if they didn't play Boston College in a nor'easter? They survived Clemson's bad passing attack on Saturday night and will get a serious test with road games at SMU and Miami still on the slate. They have cut down their penalties, for now, which cost them at California. They need to force more turnovers as well going forward.
For a program that prides itself on special teams, they have been far from special in 2026. Veteran kicker John Love has missed three giant kicks already, and if he knocks them through, then Virginia Tech is 8-0 right now. He made a couple of big kicks at Clemson, which should help him regain his confidence. Que'Sean Brown has been dynamic in returning punts this season and is close to breaking one for a touchdown sooner or later.
Punting hasn't been good, as there have been times when the Hokies have lost some field position battles because of punting. It's safe to say that Virginia Tech will be looking in the Transfer Portal for a punter this winter.
For the most part this season, you can't deny the Hokies haven't been prepared going into games. You knew that was going to happen under Franklin. His teams are always prepared. However, despite their fast starts in games, their dismal third quarters in ACC play are a real cause for concern. It even happened at Clemson last week.
Franklin said they tried to address it in practice last week, but it didn't work. During the next two weeks, it's an area that needs more attention. Another area that could use some attention is halftime adjustments. For the most part, they are just not there.
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