When the season started, expectations were that the Virginia Tech men's basketball team was going to be an NCAA Tournament team. A new-look roster with some big additions from the Transfer Portal and a highly rated incoming freshman in Neoklis Avdalas, things were looking good for veteran coach Mike Young.
However, after going 11-2 through their non-conference schedule, the Hokies stumbled to an 8-10 ACC record that included several close, gut-wrenching losses at the buzzer. Losses to Wake Forest, Stanford, and SMU in January alone cost Virginia Tech some valuable wins that likely would have had them dancing next week in the NCAA Tournament.
Instead, the Hokies were forced to play in the first round of the ACC Tournament against Wake Forest and suffered another gut-wrenching loss, 95-89, this time in overtime. They had a chance at the buzzer to win the game, but a Jailen Bedford offensive rebound put-back rimmed out. After being outscored 20-14 in the extra session, the Hokies' season came to an end.
Virginia Tech announces it will not accept an NIT bid this season
Mike Young is someone who has always accepted a bid to the NIT and has the opportunity to coach his team in at least one more game. That won't be the case this year after the school announced that it has elected to decline its 2026 NIT bid.
An update from our program ⤵️ pic.twitter.com/toajanzBj2
— Virginia Tech Men's Basketball (@HokiesMBB) March 13, 2026
As you can see, the program cited several factors for the decision. Injuries to players looking to continue their career at the next level were one factor, as well as not meeting the standard of the program, remaining clear with the expectation of playing in the NCAA Tournament.
This officially ends a very frustrating season for the Hokies that began with so much promise. Now all eyes will turn to who leaves the program for the NBA Draft, as well as who enters the Transfer Portal. There are some key players that Young would love to retain, but it remains to be seen if they can. This decision also allows recruiting to take center stage.