James Franklin is back in the ACC-and this time, he's got something to prove.
After a stunning exit from Penn State just months removed from nearly guiding the Nittany Lions to the national title game, Franklin now takes the reins at Virginia Tech. His mission?
Rebuild a Hokies program that finished with just three wins in 2025 and restore some swagger to Blacksburg. And he’ll have to do it fast, because the 2026 schedule isn’t doing him any favors.
With the ACC moving to a nine-game conference slate starting next season-mirroring the structure of other power leagues-every matchup takes on more weight. For Virginia Tech, that means a tough road ahead, both literally and figuratively.
Home Games: Lane Stadium’s Not-So-Easy Slate
Here’s who’s coming to Blacksburg in 2026:
- Georgia Tech
- Pittsburgh
- Stanford
- Virginia
Let’s start with the obvious: this isn’t a cupcake lineup. Georgia Tech is coming off its best season in years, and Pittsburgh, as always, brings a physical brand of football that makes them a perennial thorn in the side of ACC opponents.
Virginia, meanwhile, just played in the ACC Championship Game. That rivalry game always carries extra weight, but now it could have postseason implications too.
Stanford might be the one team on this list that doesn’t immediately raise alarm bells, but don’t sleep on the Cardinal. While they’ve struggled in recent years, there’s renewed optimism in Palo Alto. Former Stanford legend and current GM Andrew Luck has been vocal about the program’s upward trajectory, and if he’s right, they might not be an easy out by the time they roll into Lane Stadium.
Road Games: A Gauntlet Across the Map
Here’s where the Hokies will be traveling in 2026:
- Clemson
- Miami
- SMU
- California
- Boston College
There’s no sugarcoating it-this road schedule is a beast.
Clemson may have had a down year in 2025, but betting against Dabo Swinney’s Tigers bouncing back is never a smart move. Miami continues to be one of the most talent-rich teams in the conference, and with the way they’ve been working the transfer portal, expect them to reload fast-especially at quarterback.
SMU has been a revelation since joining the ACC in 2024. Their speed, tempo, and aggressive play style have made them a tough matchup for anyone.
Cal, meanwhile, gave the Hokies all they could handle in a thrilling October showdown last season-a game Virginia Tech pulled out late. If Cal gets quarterback Jaron-Keawe Sagapolutele back healthy, that could be one of the toughest games on the schedule.
The young QB has top-5 NFL Draft potential and the kind of arm talent that can flip a game in a heartbeat.
And then there’s Boston College in Chestnut Hill-a place that’s never easy to play, especially late in the season when the weather turns and depth gets tested.
Factor in the cross-country travel to Cal and Stanford, and the logistical grind becomes part of the challenge. It’s not just about who you play-it’s about where and when.
Roster Overhaul Incoming?
Franklin’s got his work cut out for him, but he’s not stepping into this job empty-handed. The Hokies just wrapped up a top-25 recruiting class, and there’s plenty of NIL cash on hand to be aggressive in the transfer portal.
And they’ll need to be. This is a roster that won just three games last year and needs a serious injection of talent, experience, and leadership.
Franklin has never been shy about building through both high school recruiting and the portal, and with the current landscape of college football, flipping a roster quickly is more possible than ever-if you know how to work the system. Expect Virginia Tech to be active and strategic in how they reload.
Non-Conference Outlook
Beyond the ACC slate, the Hokies have four non-conference games lined up:
- James Madison (JMU)
- VMI
- Old Dominion
- At Maryland
JMU is the headliner here-and rightfully so. They’re currently in the College Football Playoff and have become one of the best Group of Five stories in recent memory. That’s a statement game for Virginia Tech, and one they’ll need to be ready for.
The trip to Maryland adds another layer of difficulty-especially against a Big Ten team that’s been steadily improving. As for VMI and Old Dominion, don’t be surprised if one of those games gets dropped to make room for schedule flexibility or TV considerations.
The Road Ahead
There’s no easing into this new era in Blacksburg. James Franklin inherits a proud program with high expectations and a fanbase hungry for a return to relevance.
The 2026 schedule is a trial by fire, but it’s also an opportunity. Win early, and Franklin can re-establish Virginia Tech as a force in the ACC.
Struggle, and the rebuild may take longer than anyone wants.
One thing’s for sure: every Saturday in 2026 is going to matter. And for the Hokies, the journey back starts now.