Virginia Tech Football: Fresh Faces, Big Changes, and Key Takeaways from Friday’s Practice
As the Hokies gear up for the upcoming season, Friday’s practice gave fans and analysts a first look at a program in transition. Following a frustrating 6-7 finish to the 2024-25 season, which ended in a lackluster 24-10 bowl loss to Minnesota, Virginia Tech has undergone a significant overhaul in both its coaching staff and roster.
Head coach Brent Pry and his staff wasted no time addressing the weaknesses that plagued the team last season. A major shake-up saw the arrival of new coordinators—defensive play-caller Sam Siefkes and offensive coordinator Philip Montgomery—who are expected to bring fresh energy and strategic adjustments to both sides of the ball. The Hokies also saw a wave of departures, with 22 players entering the transfer portal. However, the team quickly countered those losses by bringing in 19 promising newcomers, hoping to fill key gaps and elevate the squad to a new level.
Friday’s practice provided a glimpse into the team’s evolving dynamics. Inside linebackers coach Xavier Adibi, offensive lineman Johnny Garret, and linebacker Jaden Keller addressed the media following the morning session, offering insight into how the team is adjusting to the changes. Adibi emphasized the importance of defensive cohesion under Siefkes’ new system, noting that the linebackers are already responding well to his coaching style. Meanwhile, Garret spoke about the offensive line’s progress under Montgomery, highlighting a more aggressive and fast-paced approach aimed at bolstering Tech’s run game and pass protection.
Keller, who is expected to take on a leadership role this season, shared his thoughts on the team’s chemistry, particularly with so many new faces in the locker room. He stressed that despite the high turnover, the Hokies are focused on building a resilient and disciplined squad that can compete at a higher level in 2025.
With the season still months away, Virginia Tech’s spring practices will be crucial in setting the tone for what’s to come. While there are still plenty of questions left to answer, one thing is clear: the Hokies are determined to turn the page on last year’s struggles and reestablish themselves as a force in college football. Fans will be watching closely as the team continues to evolve, hoping that these changes will lead to a resurgence in the upcoming campaign.