James Franklin takes over as Virginia Tech’s head coach following a 3-9 overall and 2-6 ACC campaign in 2025. Ty Howle arrives from Penn State as offensive coordinator, while Penn State transfer Ethan Grunkemeyer joins the program at quarterback after starting the final seven games of the 2025 season. Marcellous Hawkins returns at running back after leading Virginia Tech with 749 rushing yards last season, while Jeffrey Overton Jr. also returns after appearing in the final four games of 2025. Ayden Greene returns after leading Virginia Tech with 31 receptions for 516 yards, while Duke transfer Que’Sean Brown joins the receiving corps after making 63 catches last season. Penn State transfer tight end Luke Reynolds joins a position group that also returns Benji Gosnell. The offensive line returns considerable starting experience, led by Kyle Altuner, while Layth Ghannam, Aidan Lynch, and Johnny Garrett each made at least eight starts last season. Montavius Cunningham also returns after starting all four games he played in 2025.
Former Virginia Tech head coach Brent Pry returns to the program as defensive coordinator with five of the Hokies’ top eleven tacklers returning from last season. Kaleb Spencer returns after leading Virginia Tech in tackles despite making only three starts. Tyson Flowers and Isaiah Brown-Murray return as full-time starters in the secondary, while Thomas Williams adds significant starting experience after making eight starts. Kemari Copeland returns as a full-time starter along the defensive line, while Spencer and Noah Chambers return at linebacker.
Doug Shearer takes over as special teams coordinator with John Love returning at placekicker after making 15 of 20 field-goal attempts last season, including two from beyond 50 yards. Marshall transfer Nathan Totten joins the punter competition after averaging a school-record 46 yards per punt last season, while Cole Byrd has also emerged as an option during fall camp. Duke transfer Que’Sean Brown brings experience in the punt return game after returning nine punts for 116 yards last season, while Virginia Tech will evaluate several options on kickoff returns. The Hokies enter 2026 with a new coaching staff but return their leading rusher, leading receiver, and leading tackler while bringing in several experienced Power Conference transfers.