Military Classic Returns After 42 Years | Virginia Tech Hokie Football News

Virginia Tech and VMI are set to reignite their historic football rivalry on September 5, 2026, marking the 80th meeting of the “Original Military Classic of the South” — the first time since 1984. Rooted in 1894, the game’s legacy includes the iconic “Skipper” cannon, built by Tech cadets in 1963 after VMI’s original, named after JFK, and later replaced by Skipper II in 1982. The two schools share deep ties — Virginia Tech’s first Commandant was a VMI graduate — with over 2,000 cadets marching together to honor that bond. Game day will feature the Governor’s Sword trophy presentation, a ceremonial Skipper firing after the anthem, and a flyover of alumni from both schools. This isn’t just football — it’s a celebration of shared history and a bold new chapter for one of college football’s most storied rivalries. 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/eb3beb1a4d09c0b5