It's hard to believe, but the month of October is over, and we are entering the final month of the 2025 regular season. It has been a rollercoaster of a ride for the Virginia Tech football program and fans, with Brent Pry being fired in September and the Hokies going 3-2 under interim coach Philip Montgomery heading into Saturday's game against Louisville at home.
October was a busy month for the Hokies, and let's break down the biggest news stories with the latest Virginia Tech Football News.
Crazy coaching carousel
When Pry was fired, it was just the first domino in many openings that had already happened before we even got to November. High-profile openings are at LSU, Florida, and Penn State. Factor in Oklahoma State, Arkansas, and UCLA are open, with more likely to come after the end of the regular season.
As far as the Virginia Tech job goes, there is smoke around James Franklin, and whether or not something gets done, it remains to be seen. If it doesn't, and the search committee has to pivot, then things get even more interesting. If the committee can secure Franklin, then what a hire it would be.
Marcellous Hawkins breakout month
As the month went along, the Hokies were establishing the run, and that was never more evident than in their last game against California on Oct. 24. They gashed the Golden Bears for 357 yards on the ground, with Marcellous Hawkins rushing for 167, and quarterback Kyron Drones added 137.
As for Hawkins, he has taken advantage of the opportunity with Bowling Green transfer Terion Stewart, battling injuries, and run with it. He is a tough back who has a knack for breaking tackles and hitting the holes hard. He is turning into a very nice portal pickup.
Players playing hard for Philip Montgomery
When Pry was fired, one question was going to be, once the roster was figured out between the players who left through the Transfer Portal and injuries, how would they play over the final nine games of the season for Montgomery? That answer has been clear and obvious.
Virginia Tech's first game following Pry's firing was against Wofford, but a week later, a road upset at North Carolina State spoke volumes to the attention that Montgomery has of his players. Each week, win or lose, they are playing hard for their interim coach, who has won two one-score games already in his three wins.