Virginia Tech Hokies News: Award list, offensive explosion, questionable votes

A Hokies linebacker being named to a Preseason Award Watch List highlights this edition of Virginia Tech Hokies News.
Nov 30, 2024; Blacksburg, Virginia, USA; Virginia Tech Hokies linebacker Caleb Woodson (20) celebrates after a play during the second quarter against the Virginia Cavaliers at Lane Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Peter Casey-Imagn Images
Nov 30, 2024; Blacksburg, Virginia, USA; Virginia Tech Hokies linebacker Caleb Woodson (20) celebrates after a play during the second quarter against the Virginia Cavaliers at Lane Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Peter Casey-Imagn Images | Peter Casey-Imagn Images

With college football camps opening, we are that much closer to the 2025 season beginning. As camps open, Preseason Watch Lists are slowly getting released, and on Monday, Virginia Tech quarterback Kyron Drones and running back, Bowling Green transfer Terion Stewart, were named to the Maxwell Award Watch List. Then, 11 Hokies were named to the East-West Shrine Bowl Watch List.

The Preseason Watch List for the 2025 Butkus Award was released, and eight ACC linebackers were on it, including Virginia Tech's Caleb Woodson. In 2024, Woodson had a big breakout season with 72 tackles, two sacks, and an interception. Having Woodson back for this upcoming season is huge for the Hokies and head coach Brent Pry.

Former Virginia Tech outfielder has monster series against Diamondbacks

Before and after the All-Star Break, the Detroit Tigers struggled after having the best record in baseball. This week, however, they swept a three-game series at home against the Arizona Diamondbacks, where former Virginia Tech standout Kerry Carpenter had quite the series.

After not playing in Monday night's series opener, Carpenter had three hits, two doubles, and a single in the Tigers' 12-2 win on Tuesday night. On Wednesday afternoon, Carpenter had a triple and a two-run home run as Detroit completed the sweep of Arizona with a 7-2 win. In the two games, Carpenter had 12 total bases and made life miserable for the visitors. The MLB Trade Deadline is Thursday, and we'll see what the Tigers do to add for the stretch run and the postseason.

Eye-opening ACC Preseason Poll votes

On Wednesday, the ACC Preseason Poll was released for football, and Virginia Tech was picked 11th, but they received a first-place vote. Even more eye-opening, Florida State, which went 2-10 last season, received four first-place votes.

Preseason polls are always interesting, and we'll see how things end up shaking out when all is said and done. It wouldn't be surprising to see the Hokies finish higher than 11th, but winning it seems a little much. This may end up being a top-heavy league with Clemson leading the way.