Hokie ClubBLACKSBURG – Virginia Tech football officially kicks off the 2024 season against an SEC opponent as it battles Vanderbilt on Saturday, Aug. 31 at noon ET. The Hokies are set to open the year on the road at FirstBank Stadium in Nashville, Tennessee.
Starting his third year at the helm, head coach Brent Pry is aiming to begin the season on a high note. Entering the year with high expectations, Hokie Nation has been eagerly awaiting kickoff. Supporting the excitement, multiple home games at Lane Stadium have sold out, and fans are encouraged to get seats to the remaining home matchups while tickets are still available.
Important information for the season-opening matchup can be found below:
How to Follow
TV: The game will be televised on ESPN with Roy Philpott (play-by-play), Sam Acho (analyst) and Taylor Davis (sideline) on the call.
Radio: The Virginia Tech Sports Network will carry the contest over the airwaves in Blacksburg on 93.1 FM and 105.9 FM. Bill Roth will handle play-by-play duties while Mike Burnop provides color commentary and Zach Mackey reports from the sideline.
Streaming: Catch the game online at ESPN.com and in the ESPN mobile app.
Live Audio: Listen to live audio coverage of the matchup at HokieSports.com/Watch or in the HokieSports mobile app.
Live Stats: Monitor the game through live stats on HokieSports.com, including play-by-play updates and full team and individual statistics.
Social Media: Stay connected with the Hokies on Twitter (@HokiesFB), Instagram (@hokiesfb) and Facebook (@VirginiaTechFB).
Pledge Per Updates
Rooting for the Hokies on gameday is very important to creating a dynamic environment in Lane Stadium, but it isn’t the only way fans can support them throughout the season. Donors can set up recurring giving with initiatives such as Pledge Per Touchdown ($7), Pledge Per Sack ($3) and Pledger Per Win ($50). Participation in the Pledge Per campaigns this fall gives fans an additional opportunity to support the program, and pledges will begin with the first football game.
Players to Watch
Quarterback Kyron Drones: Heading into his first season as the bona fide starter with Tech, the redshirt junior is set up for potentially a big year. After spending all of Fall Camp working with the ones, the scheme under offensive coordinator Tyler Bowen should benefit from the continuity of returning starters. Drones offers plenty of athleticism to extend plays with his legs and tons of arm talent to challenge the third level. Last season, he set a program record for passing attempts without an interception and showcased a consistent ability to take care of the football. If Drones can continue to produce big plays through the air and with his mobility, there should be plenty of reasons to support his case for the Davey O’Brien award.
Wide Receiver Ali Jennings: A familiar name mentioned this time last year, the talented wideout is aiming to pick up where he left off in the 2023 season opener. In his first game donning maroon and orange, Jennings corralled five receptions for 72 yards and two touchdowns. After a dynamic inaugural showcase, the sixth-year Richmond, Virginia, native will look to get back on track after a season-ending injury in week two. Following participation in Fall Camp, Jennings will provide another veteran receiving option alongside Da’Quan Felton and Jaylin Lane, among others.
Linebacker Sam Brumfield: Switching gears to the defensive side of the ball, there are plenty of talented players at defensive coordinator Chris Marve’s disposal. One specific addition via the transfer portal that should be one to watch is Sam Brumfield from Middle Tennessee State. Recently named one of seven team captains, the Pearl, Mississippi native is expected to hold down the middle linebacker role for the Hokies. Brumfield comes in with plenty of experience after leading the Blue Raiders in tackles (81) and being named to the All-Conference USA Second Team. The redshirt senior is a solid presence on the second level and is looking to provide some stability across the front seven.