The James Franklin era in Blacksburg officially kicks off this fall, and now we know the road he’ll travel in his first season at the helm. Virginia Tech’s full 2026 football schedule is out, and it’s a journey that spans coast to coast, with a mix of familiar rivalries, intriguing first-time matchups, and a few revenge opportunities baked in.
Let’s break it all down.
Setting the Stage: A New Era Begins
Franklin’s debut comes on Saturday, Sept. 5, when the Hokies host VMI at Lane Stadium. It’ll be the first meeting between the two programs since 1984, and while the Keydets don’t bring the same national profile as some of Tech’s other opponents, it’s a chance to set the tone early in front of a home crowd eager for a fresh start.
The non-conference slate continues with Old Dominion on Sept. 12 - the fifth straight year these two have tangled - and then a trip to Maryland on Sept. 19. That visit to College Park is a bit of a full-circle moment for Franklin, who was on Ralph Friedgen’s staff the last time Tech played there back in 2009.
A Familiar ACC Opener, Then a Friday Night Spotlight
Conference play begins Sept. 26 with a road game at Boston College. This marks the fifth time the Hokies have opened ACC play against the Eagles, and history leans in Tech’s favor - they’re 3-1 in those previous matchups.
Just six days later, Tech returns home for a Friday night showdown with Pitt on Oct. 2.
Franklin knows Pat Narduzzi’s Panthers well from his Penn State days, where he went 3-1 in the rivalry, including a three-game win streak from 2017 to 2019. Expect a physical battle here - these teams don’t shy away from contact.
West Coast Swing and a Homecoming Vibe
After Pitt, it’s a cross-country trip to Berkeley to face Cal on Oct. 10 - the first time Virginia Tech has ever played at Cal’s Memorial Stadium. The two programs have only met twice before: once in the 2003 Insight Bowl and again last season in an overtime thriller that the Hokies pulled out, 42-34. Cal now has Tosh Lupoi at the helm, the former Oregon defensive coordinator, which adds a new wrinkle to the matchup.
Back in Blacksburg, Georgia Tech visits on Oct. 17 in what’s shaping up to be homecoming weekend. Then it’s off to Clemson on Oct. 24 for a game that hasn’t been played at Memorial Stadium since 2012.
It’s only the Hokies’ third trip there since joining the ACC. The last time they won in Death Valley?
A 41-23 statement in 2007, powered by two special teams touchdowns from Hokie legends Eddie Royal and Macho Harris.
A Well-Timed Bye, Then a Texas Throwback
Halloween weekend brings a much-needed breather. The Hokies get their lone open date on Oct. 31 - a welcome pause before the final stretch.
Coming out of the bye, Virginia Tech heads to Dallas for a game against SMU on either Nov. 6 or 7. This will be the Hokies’ first visit to Dallas in 52 years, and they’ll be looking to reverse some history - they’re 0-2 against the Mustangs in Texas, including a narrow 28-25 loss in the 1974 Cotton Bowl.
SMU has been impressive since joining the ACC, posting a 20-7 record (14-2 in conference play) and earning a spot in the 2024 College Football Playoff. This one’s circled on the calendar.
Closing Stretch: Two at Home, One in South Florida
The final stretch of the season gives Tech two of its last three games at Lane Stadium - a favorable setup for a team that could be fighting for bowl eligibility or more.
On Nov. 14, Stanford comes to town for the first time ever. The Cardinal are under new leadership with head coach Tavita Pritchard, and it’ll be interesting to see how they travel east for a late-season clash in what could be chilly conditions in Blacksburg.
Then it’s back on the road for a Friday night tilt at Miami on Nov. 20.
The Hurricanes are coming off a run to the national title game and have had the Hokies’ number lately, winning five straight in the series. Their last meeting in Miami ended in controversy - a Hail Mary that still sparks debate.
Expect emotions to run high in this one.
And finally, the season wraps up at home on Nov. 28 with the Commonwealth Clash against Virginia. The Cavaliers had a strong 11-3 campaign last year, including a 27-7 win over Tech in Charlottesville.
But history still favors the Hokies - they’ve won 12 straight against UVA in Blacksburg and 24 of the last 27 overall. Rivalry games always bring out the best (and worst), and this one could have postseason implications on both sides.
Bottom Line:
Virginia Tech’s 2026 schedule is a true test for James Franklin in Year 1.
It’s got everything - cross-country travel, Friday night lights, rivalry heat, and matchups against some of the ACC’s top contenders. If the Hokies can find consistency early, especially with four of their first seven at home, they’ll have a shot to build momentum heading into a tough November stretch.
One thing’s for sure: the road back to ACC relevance won’t be easy - but it will be compelling.