Blacksburg, Virginia, January 27, 2026
Virginia Tech has unveiled its football schedule for the upcoming season, featuring a robust lineup with nine ACC matchups and significant non-conference games. Head Coach James Franklin leads the Hokies into a demanding season, which includes key rivalry contests and notable opponents. The schedule kicks off with home games against VMI and Old Dominion, and features tough road trips to places like Maryland and Clemson. The Hokies will also face in-state rival Virginia in the season finale, setting the stage for an exciting year ahead.
Blacksburg, Virginia
Virginia Tech’s 2026 Football Schedule Unveiled, Hokies Face Formidable ACC Slate Under New Leadership
The Virginia Tech Hokies’ 2026 football schedule has been officially released, highlighting a challenging slate that includes nine Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) games and several nationally prominent matchups. The announcement, made on Monday night, January 26, 2026, details a season that will test the Hokies under the leadership of Head Coach James Franklin, who enters his first full year with the program. The schedule features tough road games, key rivalry matchups, and an open date in late October, setting the stage for an intriguing season for fans.
Key Matchups and Conference Challenges
Virginia Tech’s 2026 campaign will kick off at home on September 5 against VMI, followed by another home game on September 12 against Old Dominion. The first road test will be on September 19 at Maryland. ACC play begins with a road contest at Boston College on September 26.
The conference schedule is packed with significant matchups. The Hokies will host Pittsburgh on Friday, October 2, for their first home ACC game. A cross-country trip to face California is scheduled for October 10, before Virginia Tech returns home to host Georgia Tech on October 17. A challenging road game at Clemson awaits on October 24. The Hokies will have their bye week on October 31.
November brings a critical stretch of games, beginning with a road trip to SMU on either Friday, November 6, or Saturday, November 7, with the exact date and kickoff time yet to be determined. Virginia Tech will then host Stanford on November 14. A tough Friday night road game at Miami is set for November 20. The regular season will conclude with the annual Smithfield Commonwealth Clash, as the Hokies host in-state rival Virginia on November 28 in Blacksburg.
The road matchups are particularly daunting, with games against Miami, SMU, Clemson, and California expected to be among the most formidable challenges. Miami is anticipated to be a strong contender for the conference title, coming off a season where they nearly reached the national championship. SMU, since joining the ACC, has consistently been a top program, reaching the ACC Championship game and the College Football Playoff in 2024. A win against Cal in the previous season would have seen SMU return to the conference title game. The game at Clemson is also seen as a significant measuring stick for the Hokies. The rivalry game against Virginia carries added weight, as the Cavaliers secured a win in the previous season in Charlottesville, contributing to their ACC title game appearance and one of their best regular seasons in school history.
Non-Conference Play and Early Tests
Beyond the ACC slate, Virginia Tech’s non-conference schedule includes home games against VMI and Old Dominion, and a road game at Maryland. The game against Old Dominion provides an opportunity for the Hokies to seek revenge for a past loss. The matchup at Maryland marks the first Power Four non-conference opponent for Virginia Tech in 2026. Notably, James Madison was dropped from the schedule and replaced by the ninth ACC game at SMU. The Hokies are also scheduled to hold their 2026 Spring Game on April 18 at Lane Stadium.
ACC Landscape and Transition Year
The 2026 season represents a transitional year for the ACC, as the league moves towards a full nine-game conference schedule in 2027. For 2026, twelve ACC programs, including Virginia Tech, will play nine league games and at least one Power Four non-conference opponent. The remaining five teams will play eight ACC games and at least two Power Four non-conference opponents. This format serves as a bridge year ahead of the full nine-game league schedule implementation. In total, ACC teams are projected to play 25 non-conference games against Power Four opponents, which includes nine versus the SEC, five against the Big Ten, five against the Big 12, and six against Notre Dame.
The ACC, headquartered in Charlotte, North Carolina, is known for its competitive football and strong media coverage. The conference’s commitment to challenging non-conference matchups is a nationwide trend, as teams aim to strengthen their résumés for the expanded College Football Playoff.
Coaching Transition and Team Outlook
The 2026 season marks James Franklin’s first full year as the head coach of Virginia Tech. This follows an offseason characterized by roster adjustments and staff additions. The transition in leadership comes after the conclusion of the 2025 College Football Championship game, shifting focus to the upcoming season. The team’s outlook for 2026 involves navigating a difficult schedule, with early analyses ranking games from easiest to hardest, highlighting the rigorous nature of their opponents. Virginia Tech’s defense, which underwent a revamp in 2025, is expected to continue to be a solid foundation for the team.
Looking Back and Forward
The Hokies concluded the 2024 season with a 6-7 record, including a loss in the Duke’s Mayo Bowl. For 2025, the team had a projected win total of 6.9. The rigorous 2026 schedule presents both challenges and opportunities for the program to make significant strides under its new coaching staff and in the evolving landscape of college football.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
When was Virginia Tech’s 2026 football schedule officially released?
Virginia Tech’s 2026 football schedule was officially released on Monday night, January 26, 2026.
How many ACC games will Virginia Tech play in 2026?
Virginia Tech is set to play nine ACC games in 2026.
Who is the head coach for Virginia Tech in the 2026 season?
James Franklin is the head coach for Virginia Tech, entering his first full year leading the program in the 2026 season.
What are some notable home opponents for Virginia Tech in 2026?
Notable home opponents for Virginia Tech in 2026 include VMI (Sept. 5), Old Dominion (Sept. 12), Pitt (Oct. 2), Georgia Tech (Oct. 17), Stanford (Nov. 14), and Virginia (Nov. 28).
What are some challenging road games for Virginia Tech in 2026?
Challenging road games for Virginia Tech in 2026 include at Maryland (Sept. 19), at Boston College (Sept. 26), at California (Oct. 10), at Clemson (Oct. 24), at SMU (Nov. 6 or 7), and at Miami (Nov. 20).
What is the significance of the 2026 season for the ACC?
The 2026 season is a transitional year for the ACC, as the league moves towards a full nine-game conference schedule in 2027.
Key Features of the 2026 Virginia Tech Football Schedule
| Feature | Details | Scope |
|---|---|---|
| Schedule Release Date | January 26, 2026 | State-level |
| Total ACC Games | 9 | State-level |
| Head Coach | James Franklin (First full year) | State-level |
| Key Home Opponents | Pitt, Georgia Tech, Stanford, Virginia | State-level |
| Key Away Opponents | Maryland, California, Clemson, SMU, Miami | Nationwide |
| ACC Schedule Format | Transitional nine-game schedule, bridge to 2027 | Nationwide |
| Rivalry Games | vs. Virginia (Nov. 28) | State-level |
| Spring Game Date | April 18, 2026 | State-level |
| Open Date | October 31, 2026 | State-level |
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