2023 Season-In-Review

Record: 7-6, Win vs. Tulane in Military Bowl (41-20)

It was a transition year for Virginia Tech and a late-season push got the Hokies into a bowl game. Virginia Tech lost three straight games after a season-opening win against Old Dominion. The Hokies would go onto win five out of eight games to end the season and punch their ticket to a bowl game. Virginia Tech would win its bowl game and build momentum into what the fans hope is a turnaround season.

Offense: The time has come for the Hokies

Virginia Tech went through a transition year in 2023. It still ended with seven wins, including a bowl victory. Now, the Hokies enter with plenty of production from last season and the expectations are back.

It begins with Kyron Drones. The Baylor transfer took over as the starter under center last season and totaled 22 touchdowns. He flashed potential and will now give Virginia Tech a solid option at the most important position on the field. Drones, along with Bhayshul Tuten, turned around the rushing attack. Drones is a dual-threat that can get it done using his arm and legs.

The Hokies averaged 213.4 rushing yards per game with Drones as the starting quarterback. Tuten proved he can be a workhorse, totaling 863 yards and 10 touchdowns last season. This duo will have the attack for the Hokies difficult to contain once again.

Through the air, Virginia Tech will be just as tough. This might be the best group of receivers in Blacksburg. The top three receivers from last season will be back, along with Ali Jennings. He missed 2023 with a knee injury and will be back to provide depth. Da’Quan Felton led the team with 667 yards and eight touchdowns last season. Jaylin Lane (538 yards, 6 touchdowns) and Stephen Gosnell (347 yards, 3 touchdowns) proved to be great options opposite Felton.

The offensive line is still a work in progress but should be better than last season. Georgia State transfer Montavious Cunningham came in and could step into a starting role. Even with a line that was questionable at best in 2023, the rushing attack for the Hokies thrived and that will be the identity once again.

Defense: Secondary among the best in the nation

Virginia Tech finished as a Top 20 defense last season for the first time in seven years. The secondary excelled all season long and returns what could be one of the best duos in the nation.

Corners Dorian Strong and Mansoor Delane locked down in pass coverage last season. This group ended as one of the best in the ACC last season. That is the expectation once again but it now has a chance to take a step forward nationally. They led a group that helped Virginia Tech finished fourth in the nation in passing yards allowed with 168.8 per game.

The Hokies were vulnerable on the ground last season. It righted the ship a bit late but was still not a perfect system. They hit the portal hard and brought in reinforcements up front. Oklahoma transfer Kelvin Gilliam Jr. and Duke transfer Aeneas Peebles, who was an All-ACC player last season, will bring a new attitude to the Hokies up front. Kemari Copeland also came over from Iowa Western CC.

In the middle of the defense, linebacker Sam Brumfield came in after totaling 81 tackles for Middle Tennessee.

2024 Virginia Tech Football Schedule

• Saturday, Aug. 31: at Vanderbilt
• Saturday, Sept. 7: vs. Marshall
• Saturday, Sept. 14: at Old Dominion
• Saturday, Sept. 21: vs. Rutgers
• Friday, Sept. 27: at Miami
• Saturday, Oct. 5: at Stanford
• Thursday, Oct. 17: vs. Boston College
• Saturday, Oct. 26: vs. Georgia Tech
• Saturday, Nov. 2: at Syracuse
• Saturday, Nov. 9: vs. Clemson
• Saturday, Nov. 23: at Duke
• Saturday, Nov. 30: vs. Virginia