As the Virginia Tech Hokies prepare for the 2025 college football season, all eyes are on head coach Brent Pry and his ability to turn the program around. Coming off a disappointing 6-7 finish in 2024 — which ended with a loss to Minnesota in the Duke’s Mayo Bowl — the Hokies have undergone significant changes both on the coaching staff and within the roster.
Last season was initially viewed as a stepping stone for Virginia Tech, with a relatively manageable schedule that many believed could pave the way for Pry’s program to take a step forward. Instead, inconsistency and underperformance derailed those expectations. Now, heading into year three of the Pry era, the margin for error is shrinking, and the 2025 schedule presents a much more challenging path. The upcoming season is shaping up to be a critical proving ground for Pry and his staff as they look to solidify their identity and show tangible progress in a more competitive environment.
Here’s a breakdown of the three most challenging games Virginia Tech will face in 2025 — contests that could define the direction of their season:
3. Louisville (Home Game – Lane Stadium, Blacksburg)
The Louisville Cardinals, like Virginia Tech, are entering the 2025 season with something to prove after an underwhelming finish last year. Head coach Jeff Brohm has been aggressive in the transfer portal, most notably landing former USC quarterback Miller Moss to take over under center. That addition has many national analysts identifying Louisville as a potential dark-horse contender for the College Football Playoff, especially with the expanded 12-team format now in effect.
Fortunately for the Hokies, they will host the Cardinals in Lane Stadium, where the home-field advantage could be a factor. However, Louisville’s dynamic offense and reinforced defense will pose serious challenges. If Louisville is still in playoff contention when this game rolls around, Virginia Tech will need to play one of its best games of the season to compete.
2. Miami (Home Game – Weekend Before Thanksgiving)
The Hurricanes are always a tough matchup, and this season could be a tipping point for head coach Mario Cristobal, who is under increasing pressure to deliver results. Miami came close to reaching the ACC Championship Game in 2024 but stumbled late with unexpected losses to Georgia Tech and Syracuse.
This year, Miami will be led by Georgia transfer quarterback Carson Beck, replacing Cam Ward, who departed for the NFL. Virginia Tech will host the Hurricanes the weekend before Thanksgiving in what could be a pivotal late-season game. Last year’s matchup was marred by controversy in South Florida, where an overturned touchdown call changed the course of the game. Emotions will run high in the rematch, and the timing — deep into November — only adds to the difficulty of the challenge for the Hokies.
1. South Carolina (Neutral Site – Season Opener in Atlanta)
Kicking off the season with a statement game, Virginia Tech will face off against South Carolina on Sunday, August 30, at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta. This standalone afternoon game — scheduled for a national broadcast — will serve as a spotlight opportunity for both programs. For the Hokies, it’s arguably their toughest game of the season and it comes right out of the gate.
South Carolina is drawing attention as a sleeper pick in the SEC, led by quarterback LaNorris Sellers, who returns with high expectations. A win here could be a massive morale boost for a young and developing Hokies roster. But the pressure will be immense, especially with only six days to recover before their home opener against Vanderbilt.
Other Notable Games to Watch
While these three games stand out, the rest of the 2025 schedule is no cakewalk either. A trip to face Georgia Tech — who brings back quarterback Haynes King — looms large, and matchups throughout the ACC could prove just as daunting. Virginia Tech’s margin for error is slim, and consistency will be key if they hope to emerge from the season with a winning record and a postseason berth.
Ultimately, 2025 may be the most important year yet for Brent Pry at Virginia Tech. With a more difficult schedule, high turnover, and growing expectations, this season will determine whether the Hokies are truly on the path back to national relevance — or still stuck in rebuilding mode.
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