Franklin Era Begins at Virginia Tech | Virginia Tech Hokie Football News

Virginia Tech’s football season kicks off Saturday night under new head coach James Franklin, with the real story unfolding beyond the scoreboard. Ethan Grunkemeyer, a seasoned college QB from Penn State, takes the reins as the Hokies’ offense rebuilds around him and a fresh crop of receivers and running backs. The defense, led by rising star Aycen Stevens, must prove it can generate pressure without constant blitzing — a critical test before tougher opponents arrive. Depth matters more than ever, especially in the secondary and on the offensive line, where newcomers like safety DQ Smith are expected to fill key roles. Early-game momentum could unlock meaningful snaps for backups, giving Virginia Tech crucial experience before conference play intensifies. This opener isn’t about winning — it’s about seeing how the new era stacks up under pressure. Listen in comfort:Get a discount on a Soli Pillow: http://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN:[email protected] This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.Report issues to [email protected]. View sources & latest updates:https://sources.thednn.ai/966ba8d3b4554b03