As July approaches, more and more predictions will likely be released for the 2024 college football season. As for Virginia Tech, the Hokies are beginning to gain more recognition around the country heading into the upcoming season after a strong 2023 season that included a 7-6 record, 5-3 record in the ACC, and a win over Tulane University in the Military Bowl after starting the season 1-3.
Athlon Sports has released their predictions for the upcoming ACC season and projects Virginia Tech to finish sixth behind Florida State, Clemson, Miami, Louisville and North Carolina State. “Behind Florida State and Clemson, Miami, North Carolina State, Virginia Tech, Louisville and SMU are not far behind,” Steven Lassan said.
Virginia Tech continues to return key offensive players from last season, including quarterback Kyron Draughns, running back Beischul Teutten, wide receivers Ali Jennings, Stephen Gosnell, Jaylin Lane and Daquan Felton, while defensive backs Antwaun Powell-Ryland, Dorian Strong, Kelly Lawson and Mansoor Delane are notable holdovers. With key transfers on the defensive line, linebacker Brent Pry has put together a roster loaded with talent.
One of the reasons the Hokies are rated so highly this season besides remaining in the mix is primarily due to their schedule in the ACC: The Hokies have played non-conference games against Vanderbilt, Marshall, Old Dominion and Rutgers, with their toughest game, at least on paper, being their final game against the Scarlet Knights, but on the conference schedule, only two teams are ranked higher than the Hokies by Athlon: Miami and Clemson.
The three teams that beat them in the ACC last season — FSU, NC State and Louisville — aren't on the schedule, but a trip to New York to face Syracuse and a home game against Georgia Tech are not to be missed. Overall, this is a pretty big season for the Hokies. Recruiting has been going well and the foundation they are building is a big reason for their success in retaining players and recruiting. If they perform well in the games, it should be a fun fall in Blacksburg.
