When Virginia Tech hired James Franklin as their next football coach to replace Brent Pry, it was a hire that was immediately met with nothing but positive things. It has been a long time coming for the fanbase to get a coach like Franklin in Blacksburg to turn things around.
It wouldn't be surprising if he did it rather quickly, as he has made some big additions from the Transfer Portal and to his coaching staff. He has even brought Pry back to be his defensive coordinator next season after the two had a lot of success together at Penn State.
There is nowhere to go but up for a program that is coming off a 3-9 season and winning just two of its eight ACC games. There is a lot of excitement, as there should be. FanDuel released its win totals for the upcoming season, and Virginia Tech's is fascinating, if we're being honest.
Virginia Tech football win total for 2026 is fascinating in Year 1 of the James Franklin era
FanDuel posted its win total for the Hokies in 2026, and they set it at 6.5. Yes, it's a tough backend of the schedule, but if Virginia Tech takes care of a friendly front end of it, then they should pass the total. Non-conference games against VMI, Old Dominion at home, before a road game at Maryland, close out the three-game slate before ACC play begins, which begins at Boston College.
Setting the number at 6.5 is interesting. It feels like that seven wins is very doable in Year 1 under Franklin, given the transfers he has got and the talented Class of 2026 that should have some contributors. right away. There is also the retention piece of key players from the 2025 roster.
There are going to be ups and downs, as there is with every season. Virginia Tech fans went through enough last year to last several seasons. A fascinating Year 1 is setting up in Blacksburg with Franklin.