Over the past three seasons under head coach Brent Pry, Virginia Tech football has experienced a rollercoaster of results. The Hokies showed signs of promise in 2023, rallying from a rough 1-3 start to finish with a 7-6 record, capped off by their first bowl win since 2016. Yet, inconsistency has also plagued the team, including a disappointing campaign last season where they failed to meet expectations and ended with a losing record despite being considered potential contenders in the ACC.
Looking ahead to 2025, there is cautious optimism surrounding the program’s future. However, CBS Sports doesn’t appear to share that sentiment. In their newly released College Football Top 150 Players of 2025: The Definitive Spring Rankings, not a single Virginia Tech player made the list. Given the current state of the program, this omission may not come as a huge surprise. The Hokies are in the midst of a significant overhaul, having lost 28 players through the transfer portal across both cycles, with the possibility of more departures as the spring window comes to a close.
In addition to roster turnover, the coaching staff has undergone major changes. Virginia Tech has brought in Jarrett Ferguson as the new strength and conditioning coach, and Matt Moore will now lead the offensive line. Several position groups are also under new leadership, with Brent Davis moving to tight ends, Shawn Quinn handling outside linebackers, and Xavier Adibi coaching inside linebackers. Perhaps most notable are the new coordinators: Phillip Montgomery as offensive coordinator and Sam Siefkes on defense.
Despite the lack of representation in the CBS Sports list, there are still a few Hokies who could have received consideration. Quarterback Kyron Drones is an obvious name, even though his 2024-25 season was marred by injuries and inconsistent play. Nonetheless, Drones remains a fan favorite and is widely seen as a key piece to Virginia Tech’s offensive future.
Another potential candidate was edge rusher Ben Bell, a transfer from Texas State. Bell has an impressive pedigree, having earned spots on multiple preseason watchlists such as the Bednarik Award, Lombardi Award, and Reese’s Senior Bowl. Though he only played four games last season before redshirting, his talent and past performance suggest he could make a big impact for the Hokies in 2025.
Overall, while the team is in a transitional phase, there’s still a foundation of talent and hope among the Virginia Tech faithful. The 2025 season may not begin with national recognition, but it could serve as a proving ground for this evolving squad.
Leave a Reply