Virginia Tech opens the James Franklin era against VMI on Saturday. Here are three key areas to watch as the Hokies begin the 2026 season.

SP+ projects Virginia Tech to beat VMI 68-0 on Saturday and gives the Hokies a 100% win probability. The Keydets rank 376th among every school Bill Connelly rat

Virginia Tech enters a new era under James Franklin in 2026. Our staff predicts how the Hokies will fare throughout his first season in Blacksburg.