The feeling entering the 2025 season is not the same as it was entering 2024 for the Virginia Tech football team. After there were a lot of expectations entering last season, the Hokies struggled through Year 3 under Brent Pry to a 6-6 record in the regular season and a Duke's Mayo Bowl loss to Minnesota.
After an underwhelming season, Pry moved on from three assistant coaches, including defensive coordinator Chris Marve. Last month, former offensive coordinator Tyler Bowen left Blacksburg to become the offensive line coach at Ohio State. Pry hired Sam Siefkes to be his new DC and Philip Montgomery to be his new OC.
Just how all the coaching shifts and changes end up working out remains to be seen, but if there was one thing we learned from last fall, it's that changes were needed. After all the changes and transfer portal additions, Virginia Tech was listed as one of five teams that will improve in 2025.
Andrew Boardwine of Saturday Blitz wrote a piece, "5 college football teams that will improve in 2025, but their record won't show it'' and Virginia Tech was one of the schools listed that will improve this upcoming fall.
Honestly, there is nowhere to go but up for the Hokies in 2025, however, as Boardwine pointed out, the schedule is going to be a lot tougher this season than it was in 2024. Opening against South Carolina and Vanderbilt is not going to be easy with a new-look roster, but add in ACC games against Florida State, Miami, Louisville and North Carolina State, it's a daunting slate for Pry and his team.
You can make the case that this is a huge season for Pry and there needs to be improvement, but it is true, there could be improvement, but it may not be reflected by their record. Finding a way to 7-5 or 6-6 is almost a must for improvement to be made by the Hokies.