Virginia Tech Football 2025 Season Preview: A Make-or-Break Year for Brent Pry (7-25-25)

By: Joey Raymond 

Headline Photo Credit: Virginia Tech

It’s year four for Brent Pry in Blacksburg — and to put it bluntly, it’s time to put up or shut up. The honeymoon period is long gone. The excuses are drying up. And while Hokie fans remain some of the most loyal in college football, that loyalty is being tested. After another underwhelming 6-7 finish in 2024 — despite returning 84% of its production, including 91% on offense — Virginia Tech heads into 2025 carrying the weight of decades of expectations, recent frustrations, and a head coach who’s running out of second chances.

The Pry Dilemma: Year 4 or Out the Door?

Here’s the thing — I like Brent Pry. A lot. He’s personable, passionate, and genuinely gets what it means to be a Hokie. After the Justin Fuente era, fans were just relieved to have a fresh face who embraces Blacksburg’s culture and traditions. And regardless of how you feel about him as a coach, there’s no denying that Pry lives and breathes Hokie football.

But let’s call it like it is: the talk hasn’t translated into results. Before last season, Pry said he’d be “extremely disappointed” if Tech didn’t contend for an ACC title. They didn’t. Not even close. That kind of public declaration raises the bar — and when it’s followed by a 6-7 record, multiple blown leads, head-scratching decisions, and flat-out poor situational football, frustration is inevitable.

To his credit, Pry didn’t just shrug and double down. He hit the reset button. Out went his hand-picked defensive coordinator Chris Marve. Out went strength and conditioning coach Dwight Galt IV. Pry owned it. Said changes were necessary. That’s a start — but now, those changes have to pay off.

Coaching Changes: Bold Swings or Desperate Pivots?

Let’s start with the more polarizing hire: new defensive coordinator Sam Siefkes. With NFL stops in Minnesota and Arizona, Siefkes built a reputation for detail, discipline, and sharp situational play. His college résumé is thinner — no Power Five play-calling experience — but Pry emphasized that Siefkes’ approach to film, preparation, and on-the-fly adjustments stood out.

“Very impressive,” Pry said. “How specific and thorough they are with situational football — which was a weakness for us.”

The hire didn’t generate headlines, but if Siefkes can bring structure and late-game poise to a defense that collapsed far too often last year, he’ll win over Hokie fans quickly. The other move? That one had some juice. Former Tulsa head coach Philip Montgomery takes over as offensive coordinator after Tyler Bowen left for Ohio State. Montgomery brings experience, creativity, and a track record of success — especially with dual-threat QBs. His motion-heavy, spread-based offense thrives on tempo, misdirection, and playmakers in space. It’s a system tailor-made for Kyron Drones.

Let’s Talk Offense: Drones’ Time to Shine

Drones returns for his redshirt senior season after gutting through injuries in 2024. He still managed over 1,500 passing yards, a 60.7% completion rate, and nearly a 2:1 TD-to-INT ratio. He’s a proven leader, and now — finally — he has an offensive coordinator who knows how to maximize his skillset.

But he’ll need help. Bhayshul Tuten? Gone. Jaylin Lane? Gone. That leaves a huge void at the skill positions. Ayden Greene is expected to step into the WR1 role, and Tennessee transfer Cameron Seldon could be a versatile weapon — part receiver, part hybrid backfield threat.

Virginia Tech also added two veteran backs to soften the blow of Tuten’s departure: Terion Stewart (Bowling Green) and Braydon Bennett (Coastal Carolina). They bring experience and a bit of pop, while youngsters Tyler Mason and Jeremiah Coney — both of whom flashed in the bowl game — are ready to step in if needed.

Montgomery’s system doesn’t need one superstar. It needs rhythm, creativity, and buy-in. The pieces are there — now it’s on the staff to put them in position to succeed.

Let’s Talk Defense: A Murky Picture with a Lot to Prove

While there’s at least hope on offense, the defense is harder to pin down.

Losing NFL-bound talents like Antwaun Powell-Ryland and Aeneas Peebles leaves massive holes in the trenches. The pass rush, which often bailed Tech out in key spots last season, will need to be rebuilt almost from scratch. That’s no small task.

Linebackers Caleb Woodson and Kaleb Spencer provide some stability in the middle, and Pry has hinted at increased roles for younger players who’ve shown upside in camp. The secondary remains a work in progress — raw in spots but athletic. There’s talent, but cohesion will be key, especially early in the year.

If Siefkes can implement a scheme that emphasizes communication, minimizes busts, and dials up pressure when needed, the defense has a chance to be serviceable. But it’ll take time. And Virginia Tech doesn’t have much of that right now.

A Tougher Schedule, Fewer Excuses

Virginia Tech’s 2024 schedule wasn’t exactly a gauntlet. This year? Buckle up.

The season opens with a neutral-site showdown in Atlanta against Shane Beamer’s South Carolina squad — ranked No. 13 in ESPN’s early Top 25. Not only does Beamer have his team surging, but he’s the son of Frank Beamer and a former Hokie assistant. The storylines write themselves. The stakes are sky-high from Week 1.

After that, Tech hosts Vanderbilt, Old Dominion, and Wofford — games that should be wins… but Vandy took them to overtime last year, and ODU has made a habit of pulling off the unthinkable. These early matchups could define the tone for the entire season.

Then comes conference play: road trips to NC State, Georgia Tech, and Florida State. Brutal. Home games against Louisville and Miami offer no favors either. There are no cakewalks. No guarantees.

And while the Commonwealth Cup in Charlottesville will always matter, let’s be honest: if that game determines whether or not Virginia Tech makes a bowl, things have already gone off the rails. By that point in Year 4, the Hokies should have postseason eligibility locked up. If it comes down to Virginia — again — Brent Pry might not even get the chance to coach another one.

2025 Schedule Highlights 

Aug. 31: vs. South Carolina (Atlanta, GA – Chick-fil-A Kickoff Game) 

Sept. 6: vs. Vanderbilt – Rematch from 2024 OT loss 

Sept. 13: vs. Old Dominion – Hokies look to avoid upset in trap game 

Oct. 11: at Georgia Tech – Revenge game after last year’s slugfest 

Oct. 24: vs. California – Friday night lights at Lane Stadium 

Nov. 22: vs. Miami – Rematch after bizarre finish in 2024 

Nov. 29: at Virginia – Could be bowl eligibility on the line (again)