Stop me if you've heard this before, but the 2025 football season is a big one for Virginia Tech and head coach Brent Pry. If there was ever a team and coach that needed a turnaround season, it's the Hokies.
There has been a fair amount of roster turnover from last year and some coaching changes that will hopefully make a difference when all is said and done. There are some transfers added through the portal that could become key contributors for Virginia Tech. With that said, the schedule isn't easy, and here are three season-defining games on the Hokies' schedule.
3 Virginia Tech football season-defining games of 2025 season
Aug. 31: vs. South Carolina in Atlanta
This is a very tough way to begin the season for the Hokies. South Carolina is coming into the season with a chip on its shoulder. Quarterback LaNorris Sellers is one of the dynamic players in the country, and they are getting the same love that Virginia Tech got at this time last season.
This would be a signature win that Pry is still looking for in Blacksburg, but even if the Hokies do lose, if they can keep it close, then there will be plenty to take away from the game. This is an early-season type of game that can set the tone for the rest of the season.
Sept. 6: vs. Vanderbilt
I mean, there should be no reason that Virginia Tech should not be fired up for this game after last season's loss in Nashville in overtime. Vandy returns some key players, including quarterback Diego Pavia, and they are looking to build off a season that saw them pull off several upsets.
Now, this becomes a must-win in Week 2 for the Hokies should they lose to the Gamecocks. This is not the year to start 0-2, despite what should be a pair of wins after against Old Dominion and Wofford at home. Two losses to begin the season will create a lot of chatter about Pry and his job status, but even if they get a split, that would be a scenario that Tech would welcome.
Sept. 27: at. North Carolina State
Worst-case scenario for Virginia Tech is they get out of non-conference play at 2-2, but 3-1 would be ideal. In terms of becoming bowl-eligible, how the non-conference results go will depend on how the last eight games, all ACC games go, needing either three or four wins to play beyond Thanksgiving Weekend.
This is the Hokies' conference opener, and it would be a great one to steal in Raleigh. A win here sets the tone for ACC play with a very winnable game at home against Wake Forest the following, followed by another trip to Atlanta, this time at Georgia Tech.