Heading into the 2024 season, Virginia Tech football had high hopes. With head coach Brent Pry securing important player retention and adding key transfers via the portal, optimism surged in Blacksburg. Coming off a 2023 season that saw the Hokies turn their campaign around in the second half, many believed the program was poised to leap in 2024 and beyond.

However, a year later, the outlook has changed dramatically. Virginia Tech saw five players selected in the 2024 NFL Draft, which is a clear testament to the talent being developed within the program. Additionally, nine players signed undrafted free agent deals, continuing the pipeline of talent into the professional ranks. But that success came at a price. The Hokies also lost several talented players to the transfer portal, adding another layer of uncertainty to the roster heading into 2025.

Spring practices have wrapped up, but there are still many unknowns surrounding Virginia Tech’s football team. While new transfers have joined the fold, the team faces significant questions. A tougher 2025 schedule, combined with a new-look roster, makes it difficult to predict exactly how things will unfold for coach Pry and his squad.

Despite the question marks, one glimmer of hope is emerging for Virginia Tech: a relatively encouraging win total for the upcoming season. One of the nation’s leading betting sites, BetMGM, has set the Hokies’ over/under win total for the 2025 season at 6.5. For a team undergoing significant change, this is a promising sign.

The over/under bet reflects a season of high volatility. With +110 on the over and –140 on the under, it’s clear that oddsmakers are torn on Virginia Tech’s ability to hit the seven-win mark. While the under may feel safer given the team’s uncertain trajectory, it’s worth noting that even six wins would still get the Hokies bowl-eligible. This means there’s still hope for a postseason appearance, even if the team falls short of the optimistic total.

For those following the Hokies’ journey, this number presents a difficult decision. Recently, Virginia Tech’s 2025 season schedule was analyzed, and the prediction was a 6-6 record. But there are just too many close calls throughout the slate of games. Will Virginia Tech manage to edge out a few of those tight contests, or will they come up short in critical moments?

The non-conference schedule presents one of the toughest stretches to start the season. Virginia Tech will face South Carolina and Vanderbilt in the first two weeks — both teams with their motivations and expectations. The outcome of those games will set the tone for what lies ahead.

If Virginia Tech manages to split those opening games, they could be in good shape heading into conference play. But if the Hokies struggle early, the path to six wins becomes much steeper. Games like these will be crucial in determining how the season progresses. A strong start could help the Hokies gain momentum and confidence, while a slow beginning might make it difficult to recover.

Beyond the non-conference games, Virginia Tech’s ACC schedule brings both challenges and opportunities. The Hokies will face some of the conference’s toughest teams, and with a roster still finding its footing, every matchup becomes a test. Coach Pry will need to navigate these waters carefully to ensure his team doesn’t spiral as they did in some of the earlier seasons of his tenure.

The loss of players to the transfer portal and the NFL draft further complicates matters. While Pry has added several talented players from the portal, it’s still unclear how quickly those newcomers will mesh with the returning players. The key to success in 2025 will likely hinge on whether the Hokies can quickly find chemistry with a mix of veterans and newcomers.

It’s easy to look at the roster and feel uncertain, but it’s worth remembering that the Hokies have had moments of brilliance in recent years. With a little luck, good coaching, and the right balance of talent, they could still defy expectations and have a competitive season in 2025.

Ultimately, Virginia Tech fans will need to brace for a season of highs and lows. While the win total of 6.5 is an encouraging sign, it’s also a reminder of how much work lies ahead. The team may be on the right track, but whether they can navigate the challenges and live up to their potential remains to be seen. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely as the Hokies take the field in less than four months.