# Virginia Tech football prepares for Old Dominion > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/virginia-tech-football-2026-season-preparations > Updated: 2026-09-08T03:59:54.000Z. Sources: 16. Developments: 10. Virginia Tech football launched the James Franklin era with a dominant 73-3 victory over VMI at Lane Stadium, marking the program’s largest margin of victory since 1922. The offense totaled 619 yards, led by quarterback Ethan Grunkemeyer, who completed 17 of 20 passes for 224 yards and two touchdowns. The ground game featured Marcellous Hawkins Jr., who scored three rushing touchdowns, and Jeffrey Overton Jr., who recorded 104 rushing yards and two scores. Transfer Que’Sean Brown also contributed significantly with 106 receiving yards and a 51-yard touchdown. Defensively, the unit set a program record with 18 tackles for loss, holding VMI to 83 total yards. Key defensive performances included George Ballance with six tackles, while Cortez Harris and Aceyn Stevens each recorded a sack. Despite the blowout, head coach James Franklin expressed dissatisfaction with the team’s discipline, noting that 11 penalties resulted in 93 yards. This followed a post-game discussion regarding NCAA rules after a player was penalized for unsportsmanlike conduct for high-fiving members of the VMI Corps of Cadets. Virginia Tech now prepares to host Old Dominion at Lane Stadium, seeking a 2-0 start to the season. The Hokies aim to avenge a 45-26 loss to the Monarchs from the previous season. Franklin has noted the professional history between himself and Old Dominion head coach Ricky Rahne, who previously worked under Franklin at Kansas State and Vanderbilt. ## Timeline ### 2026-09-08: Virginia Tech football prepares for Old Dominion after dominant win over VMI Following a dominant 73-3 win over VMI in his debut, Virginia Tech football prepares to host Old Dominion at Lane Stadium to avenge last season's loss. 6 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/virginia-tech-football-prepares-for-old-dominion-after-vmi-win ### 2026-09-06: Virginia Tech defeats VMI 73-3 in James Franklin's debut Virginia Tech defeated VMI 73-3 in the head coaching debut of James Franklin, fueled by strong performances from Jeffrey Overton Jr., Marcellous Hawkins Jr., and quarterback Ethan Grunkemeyer. 8 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/virginia-tech-defeats-vmi-73-3-in-james-franklins-debut ### 2026-08-28: Virginia Tech football prepares for 2026 season opener Virginia Tech football enters the 2026 season following fall camp, with coach James Franklin highlighting breakout candidates like wide receiver Davion Brown. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/virginia-tech-football-prepares-for-2026-season-opener ### 2026-08-26: Virginia Tech football advances through 2026 fall camp Virginia Tech football continues fall camp preparations for the 2026 season, highlighted by Kemari Copeland's Bednarik Award watch list nomination and ongoing position battles. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/virginia-tech-football-advances-through-2026-fall-camp ### 2026-08-18: Virginia Tech football faces need for evolution, says James Franklin James Franklin attributes Virginia Tech's football struggles to a need for institutional evolution following the successful era of legendary coach Frank Beamer. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/virginia-tech-football-faces-need-for-evolution-says-james-franklin ### 2026-08-17: Virginia Tech football enters mid-fall camp under James Franklin Virginia Tech football is midway through fall camp under head coach James Franklin as players compete for starting roles ahead of their September 5 season opener against VMI. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/virginia-tech-football-enters-mid-fall-camp-under-james-franklin ### 2026-08-14: Virginia Tech football begins 2026 season preparations under James Franklin Virginia Tech football begins its 2026 season preparations under new head coach James Franklin, aiming to improve defensive performance and build on recent roster developments. 4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/virginia-tech-football-begins-2026-season-preparations-under-james-franklin ### 2026-08-10: Virginia Tech football eyes competitive 2026 season and top recruits Virginia Tech football enters the James Franklin era with strong analytical projections for 2026 and momentum in recruiting, including interest in top 2028 quarterback prospect Anthony Turner. 4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/virginia-tech-football-eyes-competitive-2026-season-and-top-recruits ### 2026-08-08: Virginia Tech football enters fall camp for 2026 season Virginia Tech football enters fall camp for the 2026 season, with Head Coach James Franklin emphasizing offensive efficiency and roster cohesion ahead of their September opener against VMI. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/virginia-tech-football-enters-heart-of-fall-camp ### 2026-08-02: Virginia Tech Unveils 2026-27 Men's Golf Schedule and Names Top Football Offensive Backups Virginia Tech announced its 2026‑27 men’s golf schedule and identified key offensive backups for football, highlighting players Takye Heath, Benji Gosnell and Luke Reynolds. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/virginia-tech-unveils-2026-27-mens-golf-schedule-and-names-top-football-offensive-backups --- Cite as: Virginia Tech football prepares for Old Dominion. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/virginia-tech-football-2026-season-preparations