CBS Ranks Virginia Tech Football's Schedule As 11th Hardest in ACC

Then again, it’s worth remembering that in last year’s projections, Patterson’s 2024 outlook rated Virginia Tech as having the second‑easiest strength of schedule in the conference. Here’s what he said back then:

"The Hokies took a step forward in Year 2 under coach Brent Pry, and thanks to loads of returning production and a favorable schedule, they are prepared for a leap in Year 3. Virginia Tech avoids Florida State, NC State, Louisville and SMU and gets arguably its toughest opponent of the year, Clemson, in Lane Stadium with 'Enter Sandman' reverberating throughout the New River Valley. There are a pair of power-conference nonconference dates against Vanderbilt and Rutgers, but the Hokies should be favored in both matchups."

Hindsight is 20/20. Looking back, the softer 2024 schedule exposed several of Virginia Tech’s underlying issues; the Hokies still finished just 6‑7 despite the favorable path, including losses to both Vanderbilt and Rutgers, where they entered both games as the favorites betting-wise.

Close losses and inconsistent play against beatable opponents highlighted how far the program still needed to climb. Now, with a revamped roster and a slightly tougher 2025 slate, the Hokies will have fewer excuses and perhaps a clearer measure of where they truly stand under Pry.