Hokie ClubBLACKSBURG – The wait is almost over—this Monday, Jan. 27 at 9 p.m. ET, the ACC will officially unveil the 2025 football schedule live on ACC Network, setting the stage for what’s shaping up to be an exciting season for Virginia Tech. While fans eagerly await the full breakdown of the Hokies’ 12-game slate, season tickets are already on sale starting at $350. With exclusive perks and the chance to lock in your favorite seats, it’s the perfect way to secure your spot for all the action in 2025. As we gear up for the schedule reveal, here’s a sneak peek at the Hokies’ road opponents this season.
South Carolina
Virginia Tech's 2025 season opener will be a highly anticipated matchup against SEC powerhouse South Carolina on Sunday, Aug. 31, in the Aflac Kickoff in Atlanta. This marks the first meeting between the teams since 1991, and with the game taking place on Sunday, it's a primetime opportunity for the Hokies in Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
A compelling storyline for Virginia Tech’s 2025 season opener against South Carolina will center on the Beamer family legacy. South Carolina head coach Shane Beamer will lead the Gamecocks against the program where his father, Frank Beamer, built a storied career as Virginia Tech’s legendary head coach. Shane, a 1999 Virginia Tech graduate, contributed to five bowl appearances and three Big East championships as a long snapper and wide receiver during his playing days. Beamer later joined his father’s coaching staff from 2011-15, serving as associate head coach and running backs coach, making this matchup a unique blend of personal and program history.
Now South Carolina, coming off a strong 9-4 season, is poised to be a nationally ranked team for 2025. Key returning players include quarterback LaNorris Sellers, who threw for 2,534 yards and 18 touchdowns, and defensive end Dylan Stewart, who tallied 6.5 sacks. The Gamecocks also had a successful early signing period, adding 25 recruits to their 2025 class, which ranks 19th nationally according to 247Sports. Among the 25 signees are 11 players from in-state schools and several notable prospects, including wide receiver Malik Clark, ranked No. 125 nationally, and defensive lineman Zavion Hardy, the top JuCo prospect. South Carolina also bolstered its transfer class, currently ranked No. 13 from 247Sports, with key additions like four-star running back Rahsul Faison from Utah State.
Florida State
After an undefeated 2023 season, Florida State suffered a shocking downturn in 2024, finishing 2-10 and 17th in the ACC. In response, head coach Mike Norvell overhauled his staff, hiring Gus Malzahn as offensive coordinator, Tony White as defensive coordinator and Tim Harris Jr. as pass game coordinator and wide receivers coach. These changes have already sparked momentum, with the Seminoles climbing to 18th in the 247Sports recruiting rankings.
Their 2025 class features 12 four-star recruits, including defensive lineman Kevin Wynn, quarterback Kevin Sperry, offensive lineman Mario Nash Jr., wide receiver Jayvan Boggs and running back Ousmane Kromah. Florida State also secured the fifth-ranked transfer class from 247Sports, adding quarterback Thomas Castellanos (Boston College), wide receivers Duce Robinson (USC) and Marquarius “Squirrel” White (Tennessee) and tight end Markeston Douglas (Arizona State). With a revitalized roster and staff, the Seminoles are projected to rebound in 2025 as Virginia Tech returns to Doak Campbell Stadium for a rematch of their 2023 meeting.
Georgia Tech
With the 2025 season still months away, Georgia Tech has already secured a spot in On3 Sports' way-too-early Top 25 at No. 23. After exceeding expectations in head coach Brent Key's first two seasons, the Yellow Jackets enter 2025 with renewed momentum fueled by key returning players, a standout recruiting class and impactful transfers as the Hokies return to Bobby Dodd Stadium at Hyundai Field for the first time since 2022.
Quarterback Haynes King, running back Jamal Haynes and All-ACC guard Keylan Rutledge anchor an offense bolstered by Penn transfer Malachi Hosley and FIU transfer Eric Rivers, rated the No. 12 receiver in the portal by 247Sports. Defensively, Georgia Tech retains core contributors from an improved 2024 unit and maintains stability with coordinator Tyler Santucci returning. Their recruiting has reached new heights with the No. 17 nationally ranked class (No. 2 in the ACC) featuring five ESPN 300 players, including five-star offensive lineman Josh Petty, the program’s highest-rated recruit since Calvin Johnson in 2004. Paired with a strong transfer class, Georgia Tech looks ready to transition from underdog to contender. However, high preseason expectations don’t guarantee success against Virginia Tech, who leads the series 12-8 after a convincing 21-6 win in Blacksburg last season.
NC State
Virginia Tech and NC State will square off for the first time since 2023, marking the third meeting between the two programs under Hokies head coach Brent Pry. Virginia Tech holds a 28-20 advantage in the all-time series while NC State is coming off a 6-7 season, including a 3-5 mark in ACC play.
The Wolfpack has reloaded for 2025 with a top-40 recruiting class nationally ranked eighth in the ACC by 247Sports. Among the 17 signees are standout four-star offensive lineman Ta’Khyian Whitset, who allowed just one sack in his final two high school seasons, and defensive lineman Colby Cronk, a disruptive pass rusher out of Florida. At quarterback, NC State returns freshman starter CJ Bailey. The Wolfpack also signed three-star prospect Will Wilson, a dual-threat quarterback from South Carolina who accounted for 39 total touchdowns and over 3,600 yards as a senior.
Offseason changes extend to the coaching staff, with head coach Dave Doeren bringing in D.J. Eliot as defensive coordinator to shore up the defense. However, NC State’s transfer portal efforts have lagged with just five additions and none in the secondary, leaving its transfer class ranked 58th nationally. As Virginia Tech travels to Raleigh for the first time since 2022, the matchup promises to be a compelling chapter in the ACC season.
Virginia
As tradition dictates, Virginia Tech and Virginia will continue their storied in-state rivalry in the Smithfield Commonwealth Clash, this time taking center stage in Charlottesville. The Hokies most recently secured a decisive 37-17 victory in Blacksburg, a win that clinched their bowl eligibility. Historically, Virginia Tech has largely controlled the rivalry, boasting 62 wins to Virginia's 38. Meanwhile, the Cavaliers are looking to bounce back after a 5-7 campaign last season, which saw them finish 12th in the ACC.
Head coach Tony Elliott is looking to rebuild through the transfer portal, ranking seventh in the ACC and 41st nationally in the 247Sports Transfer Football Team Rankings with their current batch of 11 incoming transfers. While most of the newcomers are three-star prospects, a handful of four-star players bolster the group. However, the Cavaliers have experienced significant losses to the portal, including their starting quarterback, top wide receiver, three key offensive linemen, two defensive linemen and several other impact players.
One notable departure is four-star transfer Malachi Fields who is heading to CFP finalist Notre Dame next season. Despite these setbacks, Virginia has an opportunity to upgrade key positions with incoming talent or by giving younger players on the roster a chance to shine. Key additions include Nebraska quarterback Daniel Kaelin, Louisville defensive back Devin Neal, Morgan State defensive back Ja'son Prevard, Fresno State defensive tackle Jacob Holmes and North Texas quarterback Chandler Morris.