Game 2 Preview: Vanderbilt vs. Virginia Tech – 2025 Football Season
Vanderbilt will face a significant early-season test in Week 2 of the 2025 season as the Commodores take on the Virginia Tech Hokies. The matchup, set for September 6, will be a crucial measuring stick for head coach Clark Lea’s squad as they look to build momentum in non-conference play before entering the SEC gauntlet.
The Hokies, led by head coach Brent Pry, are expected to be a much-improved team in 2025. After a rebuilding year in 2024, Virginia Tech returns several key starters on both sides of the ball, including quarterback Kyron Drones, who brings a dual-threat element that could test Vanderbilt’s defensive discipline. Their defense, traditionally a Hokie strength, will also pose a challenge with a fast, physical front seven that excels at disrupting opposing quarterbacks.
For Vanderbilt, this game represents a chance to showcase growth and assertiveness on a national stage. Quarterback transitions and new faces at key positions in 2025 mean Vanderbilt will rely heavily on its offensive line and a strong run game to establish rhythm. Defensively, stopping Drones and containing Virginia Tech’s playmakers in space will be essential to securing a win.
This game is also important from a momentum standpoint. A win against a Power Five opponent like Virginia Tech could set the tone for the rest of Vanderbilt’s season and give the Commodores confidence heading into SEC play. A loss, however, could expose lingering issues and put pressure on upcoming conference matchups.
Expect a competitive contest between two programs aiming to take the next step in their respective rebuilds. With both sides featuring young talent and coaching staffs eager to prove their progress, this Week 2 showdown could quietly be one of the more intriguing early-season matchups in college
football.
