RESOLVING THE LEDGER
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See the full story · 2 sourcesBLACKSBURG, VA - OCTOBER 21: Fans of the Virginia Tech Hokies jump up and down during "Enter Sandman" prior to the game against the North Carolina Tar Heels at Lane Stadium on October 21, 2017 in Blacksburg, Virginia. Virginia Tech defeated North Carolina 59-7. (Photo by Michael Shroyer/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** | Getty Images
In less than a month, college football will be back. If you’re a Virginia Tech Hokies fan, you’ll have to wait just a bit longer, as VT hosts VMI on Saturday, Sept. 5, in Lane Stadium to kick off the James Franklin era.
While the Hokies have yet to play a game, it’s fair to ask: is Virginia Tech back?
We aren’t going to fall for that. The Hokies were 3-9 last season. But make no mistake, there’s a different vibe around the entire program. It began with the school’s financial commitment to success, which directly led to the hiring of Franklin. Of course, luck was on VT’s side, too. So was timing.
There aren’t many 3-9 teams that receive a lot of national love. Virginia Tech is changing that notion. ESPN recently released its trailer for the 2026 college football season, featuring stars from different schools across the country, coaches, fans, stadiums and more.
The Hokies were featured three times in the video, which lasted 1 minute and 41 seconds. Let’s see if you can spot them.
The return of college football brings new excitement, new hope and of course, a new song 😮💨 "High Noon" by @ShaboozeysJeans featuring @1GunnaGunna is this year's anthem for College Football on ESPN 🔥 pic.twitter.com/KFfpPypsnQ
— ESPN (@espn) July 31, 2026
The first part shows the Hokies entering the field with the flag at Lane Stadium during “Enter Sandman.” Then you see a quick clip of Hokie fans celebrating, followed by a clip of Franklin on the sideline in Virginia Tech gear.
If the Hokies didn’t hire James Franklin, do you think anyone would care enough to put them in ESPN’s trailer? Of course not.
It’s a good time to be a Virginia Tech fan.
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