The 2025 season for Virginia Tech is done, and now fans can look to the future. In the midst of this, we look back and make several observations.
The team’s defense was simply inconsistent and had mixed results. The defensive line and linebackers did a solid job, but the second secondary struggled and was vulnerable to several teams passing attacks.
The running game was a bright spot with Marcellous Hawkins and Terion Stewart providing a reliable tandem. Freshman Jeff Overton also gives fans some optimism.
One of the biggest mistakes might have been at QB1. Kyrone Drones was a part-time starter at the best and needed a lot of help. He didn’t get it.
The senior signal caller had problems throwing down field, which seemed to handcuff the Hokie offense. There simply was too many struggles in the passing game.
Maybe, some of that comes down to the plays being called by an offensive coordinator who got thrown into the fire as the “acting” coach.
Phil Montgomery had only been in Blacksburg for one year, or we say six to eight months. He should be commended for stepping in when the university dismissed Brent Pry.
While he has spoken with the new coach, it would be a stretch to say he will still be in Blacksburg in 2026.
The best thing for Montgomery is that his former school Tulane might need to give him a second term. Yes, Tulane needs a new coach and why not look to the past when Montgomery was very successful.
The biggest takeaway is the fact the current roster needs significant work and upgrades at different positions.
In the final three games, there seem to be a “lame duck” feel about the game plan. Coaches and players knew the end was coming soon.
Now the next step is a big one as Virginia Tech is taking a big chance on new coach James Franklin.
He was let go by Penn State as the program was not happy with winning 10 games almost every season. The dismissal was also before this year’s season came to a close.
Franklin says he does not hold anything against his old school, but when it came to this week’s early signing period, he flipped 11 recruits from Penn State (PSU) to his new school.
He is also bringing several of his former staff to Blacksburg.
The former PSU coach brushed off shots taken at his old school, but another point, maybe by accident at the this past week’s signing day event had some people scratching their heads.
We will set the stage of PSU’s coaching search to replace Franklin. His former school had sought to possibly hire Kalani Sitake from Brigham Young, but Crumbl cookie CEO and BYU supporter Jason McGowan was credited with keeping him at that school.
During this week’s event in Blacksburg, Franklin set a box of Crumbl cookies on the front table.
“People are trying to connect the dots there and stir up some drama,” Franklin said via CBS Sports College Football. “I’m focused on Virginia Tech. … We’ve been fans of Crumbl cookies for a long time.”
Woops, maybe that’s the way the cookie crumbles for his former school, and cookies with chocolate chips will now be expected for all future Blacksburg events.
