Virginia Tech won’t tip off its 2026-27 season until Tuesday against Coppin State in Blacksburg, but the Hokies already got a useful look at themselves before the games start counting. They recently took part in a secret scrimmage against Maryland, and according to head coach Mike Young, Virginia Tech came away with the win.
The matchup carried a familiar twist for Hokies fans: Buzz Williams was back in Blacksburg. Young, who replaced Williams as Virginia Tech’s head coach, welcomed him for the scrimmage as Maryland came to town.
Young said on the Sons of Saturday that he and Williams never actually discussed setting up the scrimmage. Instead, that part of the job went to assistant coach J.D. Byers, who handles scheduling for Tech.
There was also a connection behind the scenes through Maryland assistant Wabissa Bede, whose path through the program left a strong impression on Young. Bede was recruited to Virginia Tech by Williams, stayed in Blacksburg when Young took over, and is now in his second year on Williams’ Maryland staff after following him from Texas A&M. Young made clear how much he values him.
“I love Wabissa Bede,” Young said. “I absolutely positively think the absolute world of that young man.
Recently married. I think in my eight years, I’ve said this many times, I think Wabissa Bede may be the most important player I’ve had.
When I came here, he was in the portal, I think, and there was some angst about whether he was coming back. But to solidify that spot with his toughness and his ball-handling, he never turned the ball over.
It was great to see him. It was great to have Coach Williams back in the building.”
Virginia Tech has a short runway before the season gets rolling in earnest. After Coppin State, the Hokies host Mercer at Cassell Coliseum two days later, then face their first real test on Tuesday, Nov. 10, against Iowa in Sioux City, Iowa.
Young said he likes what he has coming into the year, with Ben Hammond, Amani Hansberry and Tyler Johnson among the players expected to lead the way.
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The bigger concern is further back in the defense, where the grades tell a less reassuring story. Virginia Tech has gotten enough from its defensive line to stay competitive, but the secondary has not matched that level, and several players have lagged behind in the early part of the season. With SMU coming after the break, that uneven play in the back end is the one area the Hokies will likely want to clean up before the schedule stiffens again. [Read more 🡒]