Defining Success for Virginia Tech's 2024 Football Season

Virginia Tech faces higher expectations in 2024 as the Hokies return key talent from a resurgent 2023 campaign.

Can Virginia Tech take the next step and seriously contend for a conference championship in 2024? (Photo Courtesy of Virginia Tech Athletics)

Setting Virginia Tech’s expectations last season was an easy exercise. Following a 3-8 record in his first year, Brent Pry needed to at least guide his Hokies to six wins and a bowl game.

Pry managed that, topping it off with a thrilling Military Bowl win. With most of the talent from last year back in the fold, how do we set those expectations now?

What Returns

By now, you know that Virginia Tech returns as much production as anyone in the country, especially on offense. Kyron Drones returns to lead the production, and he’s joined by Bhayshul Tuten, Jaylin Lane, Da’Quan Felton, Xavier Chaplain, Kaden Moore, Braelin Moore, and Parker Clements. That doesn’t include Ali Jennings and Nick Gallo, who return from injury and should play starting roles in 2024.

Much of the same can be said on defense. Antwaun Powell-Ryland, Dorian Strong and Mansoor Delane headline what should be a strong unit.

Between the returning starters and incoming transfers, Virginia Tech figures to be highly competent on both sides of the ball. A team highly resembling this one scored 30 or more points in each of those five aforementioned wins, while holding their opponents to 22 or fewer points in those games, as well.

What’s New

Virginia Tech successfully backfilled gaping holes in the middle of their defense, adding FBS transfers Aeneas Peebles, Khurtiss Perry, and Kelvin Gilliam, and JUCO transfer Kemari Copeland. Former Middle Tennessee State starter Sam Brumfield will likely take over at mike linebacker, while Miami transfer Kaleb Spencer is currently fighting for a starting spot at the other linebacker positions.

The Hokies added depth at quarterback, signing UCLA transfer Collin Schlee. Tech also signed Montavious Cunningham, who figures to start on the offensive line in 2024.

What Lay Ahead

As good as the Hokies’ look on paper, their seemingly easy schedule may play just as big a role in their 2024 outlook.

Virginia Tech is slated to face just two teams in the preseason Coaches’ Poll — No. 14 Clemson and No. 19 Miami. The Hokies avoid No. 10 Florida State and No. 22 NC State, and could reasonably finish their non-conference schedule 4-0.

Even though the schedule seems favorable, there are some obstacles. That game against Miami is in south Florida and Tech has to take a cross-country trip the following week to Stanford. Right before a potentially mammoth showdown with Clemson, the Hokies must travel to Syracuse, a place they haven’t won at since 2000.

Reasonable Expectations

There are many reasons to buy into the hype surrounding Virginia Tech, but it’s important to remember that Brent Pry has yet to win a game against a team that could be considered “good”. Pry’s best win is hard to point out, and all of Tech’s wins last season came against relatively mediocre or bad teams.

Getting yourself out of the cellar and into mediocrity is much easier than climbing out of that middle tier. Becoming a good team requires more depth, fewer mistakes, and better performances against better teams. That’s a lot for Virginia Tech to achieve in one season.

Will Virginia Tech be better this season than last? You can take that to the bank. But how much better? That’s where everyone differs.

This team is unlikely to reach the College Football Playoff, even with the expanded field. But can the Hokies keep themselves in the conversation for the ACC Championship? That seems much more reasonable. Given the status of Brent Pry’s roster, he should strike while the iron is hot.