New Headline: "Virginia Tech's Offensive Coordinator Sees Game-Changing Strategies for 2023

Nov 22, 2025; Blacksburg, Virginia, USA; Incoming head coach James Franklin speaks to fans on the sideline before the game at Lane Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Bishop-Imagn Images | Brian Bishop-Imagn Images Spring football is here. That means we are officially less than six months away from seeing new head coach James Franklin and his new-look squad take the field against VMI in Blacksburg.

Since arriving in November, Franklin has been busy with recruiting and the transfer portal. His attention turned to spring practice in January with a lofty goal in mind; Franklin wants the spring game in Blacksburg on April 18 to be a sellout. Considering the excitement he’s brought to the New River Valley since his hiring, it shouldn’t be ruled out.

Franklin spoke to the media on Monday ahead of the opening of spring practice and explained why packing Lane Stadium next month was so important. “Excited about the spring game, excited about spring practice, I think it is going to be really important that we pack Lane Stadium for a number of reasons,” Franklin said . “It’ll give us an opportunity to get an understanding of what a game day is like around here, and try to make it as game-like as possible.

” Hokies short at running back this spring Virginia Tech will be without two of its top running backs for either all or part of the spring. Marcellous Hawkins will miss some time, as will true freshman Messiah Mickens. That’s good news for redshirt freshman Jeff Overton Jr.