A new era has arrived in Blacksburg, and every rep matters. As James Franklin and the Hokies take the practice fields to begin preparations for the 2026 season, Hokie Tracks will bring fans inside fall camp with daily coverage from the Beamer-Lawson Indoor Practice Facility and beyond. From position battles and emerging playmakers to exclusive interviews, highlights and behind-the-scenes moments, this is your home for everything happening as Virginia Tech builds toward opening kickoff on Saturday, Sept. 5. Buckle up, Hokie Nation, the James Franklin era is here!
Hokie Tracks: 2026 Fall Camp Blog
Your daily destination for fall camp coverage as Virginia Tech begins the James Franklin era
Chosen to lead 🫡
Two weeks from kickoff 🚁
The Hokies' 2026 football team captains were announced Saturday, Aug. 22. Six players make up the group, including linebacker George Ballance, safety Tyson Flowers, tight end Benji Gosnell, quarterback Ethan Grunkemeyer, kicker John Love and linebacker Kaleb Spencer.
James Franklin Media Availability (8/21/26)
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Virginia Tech defensive tackle, Kemari Copeland has been named to the Bednarik Award watch list as announced Friday by the Maxwell Football Club. The Bednarik Award is presented annually to the outstanding defensive player in college football.
Copeland, who was previously named to the watch lists for the Nagurski Award and the Outland Trophy, was named to the All-ACC Preseason Team, following his All-ACC Third Team nod in 2025. Copeland registered 48 tackles last season including 7.5 TFLs.
The Bednarik Award has been presented to the College Defensive Player of the Year since 1994 and is named in honor of Chuck “Concrete Charlie” Bednarik who was an All-American player at the University of Pennsylvania and later a multiple year All Pro linebacker and center for the Philadelphia Eagles.
Set in Stone: The Game Honors Toughness (Ep. 8)
Virginia Tech defensive tackle Kemari Copeland and tight end Luke Reynolds have been named to the Senior Bowl Top 300 list, placing them among the top NFL Draft-eligible players in the country.
Copeland is on the preseason watch lists for the Nagurski Award and the Outland Trophy after starting all 12 games last season, recording 48 tackles (11 solo) including 7.5 TFLs. The Virginia Beach, Virginia product led the Hokies with 4.5 sacks. The defensive tackle brings size, strength and physicality to Virginia Tech's defensive front and is expected to play a significant role for the Hokies in 2026.
Reynolds, on the Mackey Award watch list, played in 29 games over the last two seasons at Penn State, hauling in 26 receptions in 2025, for 257 yards. Known for his athleticism, versatility and ability to contribute as both a receiver and blocker, Reynolds gives the Hokies a dynamic presence in the passing game.
Virginia Tech wide receiver Que'Sean Brown has been named to the watch list for the Biletnikoff Award as announced by the Tallahassee Quarterback Club Wednesday. The Biletnikoff Award annually recognizes the college football season's outstanding FBS receiver.
A native of Winston-Salem, North Carolina, Brown joins the Hokies after spending the past three seasons at Duke, where he emerged as one of the Blue Devils' top offensive playmakers. In 2025, Brown recorded 64 receptions for 846 yards and five touchdowns in 14 games.
Brown recorded a career-high 178 receiving yards on 10 catches against Arizona State in the Tony the Tiger Sun Bowl, including a 69-yard reception and the game-winning 17-yard touchdown with 2:10 remaining. He also topped 100 receiving yards against California with 108 yards.
For his career at Duke, Brown totaled 107 receptions for 1,310 yards and seven touchdowns in 27 games. He also contributed as a punt returner, earning honorable mention All-ACC recognition in 2024.
Virginia Tech running back Marcellous Hawkins has been named to the preseason watch list for the Doak Walker Award, presented annually to the nation’s top college football running back.
Hawkins enters the 2026 season after leading the Hokies in rushing in 2025, recording 749 yards and a touchdown on 118 carries. He averaged 6.3 yards per carry and recorded two 100-yard rushing performances, including a season-high 117 yards against Florida State.
The Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, native recorded 23 runs of 10 or more yards and 12 runs of at least 15 yards last season. He also forced 44 missed tackles and gained 562 yards after first contact, according to Pro Football Focus.
Level Seven Podcast with Aycen Stevens (8/18/26)
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Read David Teel's full feature on Brian White in The Virginian-Pilot HERE.
2026 ACC Preview: Virginia Tech
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Practice Report: Kaleb Spencer (8/17/26)
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Football Fan Day at Virginia Tech in Blacksburg, Virginia on Sunday August 16th, 2026. Photo by Ryan Hedley / Virginia TechFootball Fan Day at Virginia Tech in Blacksburg, Virginia on Sunday August 16th, 2026. Photo by Ryan Hedley / Virginia TechFootball Fan Day at Virginia Tech in Blacksburg, Virginia on Sunday August 16th, 2026. Photo by Harnoor Saini / Virginia TechAnthony Midget Media Availability (8/13/26)
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Push the limits. Together. 🤝
25 Days Out ⏳
Virginia Tech running back, Marcellous Hawkins is one of 113 nominees for the Allstate Wuerffel Trophy, college football's highest community service honor.
The Allstate Wuerffel Trophy is presented annually to the NCAA Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) player who best combines exemplary community service with leadership and performance on and off the field. Named after Heisman Trophy winner and College Football Hall of Famer Danny Wuerffel, the award reflects his lifelong committment to leadership, service, and unity. To read the full release, CLICK HERE.
Level Seven Podcast: Danny O'Brien (8/11/26)
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The ACC Network Road Show joins Virginia Tech Football's third day of fall camp on Friday August 7th, 2026 in Blacksburg, Virginia. Photo by Ryan Hedley / Virginia TechThe ACC Network Road Show joins Virginia Tech Football's third day of fall camp on Friday August 7th, 2026 in Blacksburg, Virginia. Photo by Ryan Hedley / Virginia TechThe ACC Network Road Show joins Virginia Tech Football's third day of fall camp on Friday August 7th, 2026 in Blacksburg, Virginia. Photo by Ryan Hedley / Virginia TechPractice Report: Marcellous Hawkins (8/10/26)
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The Athletic's Bruce Feldman has included two Hokies in his annual Freaks List. Defensive tackle, Kemari Copeland, checked in at No. 7 while linebacker, Kaleb Spencer, is No. 83. To read the full release, CLICK HERE.
Another day to get better 📈
James Franklin Press Conference (8/9/26)
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James Franklin ACC Huddle Feature (8/7/26)
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Brian White on ACC Network (8/7/26)
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Ayden Greene on ACC Network (8/7/26)
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James Franklin and Bud Foster on ACC Network (8/7/26)
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James Franklin Media Availability (8/6/26)
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ACC Network will be making its way to Blacksburg for its annual ACC Football Road Trip show Friday afternoon.
The broadcast will be a one-hour primetime show airing at 7 p.m. ET. During the show, ACCN analysts Jason Spells and Roddy Jones will preview the Hokies' 2026 campaign.
Head coach James Franklin will sit down on set for an exclusive interview at the top of the show, which will also feature appearances by Virginia Tech Vice President and Director of Athletics, Brian White, along with former defensive coordinator, Bud Foster.
Following the show, at 8 p.m. the ACC Network will debut an ACC Huddle Special, a 30-minute sit-down conversation between Coach Franklin and ACC Network's Wes Durham. The two will touch on a variety of topics, including Coach Franklin's coaching journey, why family is at the center of his life, and his first season at Virginia Tech.
IT’S TIMEEEEE ⛺️
Luke Reynolds has been named to the Mackey Award Watch List! The Mackey Award honors the best tight end in the nation. Click here to read the full release.