It’s finally here. The Virginia Tech Hokies will begin the 2026 season on Saturday, when the VMI Keydets make the short trip down Interstate 81 to Lane Stadium. It will be the first meeting since 1984, when the Hokies won 54-7. Believe it or not, the Hokies and Keydets were once conference rivals in the old Southern Conference from 1924-64.
The series actually began in 1894, and from 1913-74, the annual battle was played at the old Victory Stadium in Roanoke on Thanksgiving Day. It was called the Military Classic of the South.
As for Saturday’s game, much has changed since these schools last faced off. That last game took place Oct. 6, 1984, in Norfolk, with the Hokies winning 54-7.
While Saturday’s game is the season opener, the Keydets opened last week at Idaho State and lost 38-10.
The Keydets may be overmatched, but they could present a unique challenge. They run the triple option, something head coach James Franklin was asked about this week. It’s been a while since the Hokies faced the old Georgia Tech teams coached by Paul Johnson. So, there are no real data points to see how Brent Pry’s defense will play the option. VMI has a new coach, too, Ashley Ingram, who comes to Lexington from Navy, where he was very familiar with the triple option.
Saturday is Ethan Grunkemeyer’s first game for the Hokies under center. Grunkemeyer officially won the job earlier this week, but that was never in question.
Virginia Tech is a huge favorite in this game. Here are the full betting odds for Saturday’s game, including how you can watch, listen to on the radio, or stream.
How to watch
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When: Saturday, September 5, 2026
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Where: Lane Stadium, Blacksburg, Virginia
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Announcers: Wes Durham (play-by-play), Max Browne (analyst) and Madison Fitzpatrick (sidelines)
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Radio: Virginia Tech Sports Network Radio. You can find a list of affiliates here.
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Series history: Virginia Tech leads the all-time series 49-25-5. The Hokies won the last meeting 54-7 in 1984.
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Odds: Virginia Tech is a 55.5-point favorite, per FanDuel.
