Virginia Tech Hokies Shock Fans with Surprising ESPN Preseason FPI Ranking—What’s Fueling the Unexpected Rise?

When you look at Brent Pry and the Virginia Tech Hokies heading into this pivotal 2025 season, there’s a mix of anticipation and pressure hanging thick in the air. Pry’s entering his fourth year at the helm, carrying a underwhelming 16-21 ledger, which many hoped would be behind them by now. Last season’s .500 finish and bowl loss left the fanbase craving more—much more. Offseason shakeups have been anything but quiet. Pry made bold moves by cutting ties with defensive coordinator Chris Marve and watching his offensive coordinator, Tyler Bowen, slip away to Ohio State, joining the reigning national champs. The NFL Draft dealt another blow, with notable Hokies stepping into the pros. But here’s the kicker: Pry didn’t just shuffle the deck; he dealt out two surprising new coordinators—Sam Siefkes, a man with fresh NFL cred, and Phillip Montgomery, a veteran with a knack for quarterback success and putting points on the board. These hires hint at a reset, maybe even a renaissance. Virginia Tech might be coming off a rough patch, but ESPN’s Football Power Index has them pegged fourth in the ACC—not shabby at all. For the fans, hesitant yet hopeful, this could be a breath of fresh air. As fall camp looms and the season kicks off in Atlanta against South Carolina, you can bet all eyes will be locked on how Pry and his revamped staff steer the Hokies’ ship. LEARN MORE

Then, in April’s 2025 NFL Draft, several Hokies, including All-ACC performers Bhayshul Tuten, Jaylin Lane, Antwaun Powell-Ryland and Aeneas Peebles, were selected. That’s a lot of talent lost.
A lot has happened this offseason. Pry fired defensive coordinator Chris Marve. Offensive coordinator Tyler Bowen waited until February to bolt to Ohio State to become the defending national champions’ new offensive line coach.
Preparation for the new season kicks off early next month when fall camp begins. The Hokies open the season in Atlanta against Shane Beamer and South Carolina.
I believe most Hokie fans would find this encouraging.
To replace Bowen, Pry hired veteran offensive coordinator and former Tulsa head coach Phillip Montgomery. Montgomery has a track record of working with excellent quarterbacks and putting up points. So, you could say that VT upgraded both coordinator positions.
In addition to being active in the transfer portal, Pry needed two new coordinators. He shocked everyone with both hires — and not in a bad way. To replace Marve, Pry hired Sam Siefkes away from the NFL. Siefkes came highly recommended from several NFL head coaches, and the early signs are encouraging.

Pry needs to win this year. And the Virginia Tech fan base doesn’t have high expectations after last season’s disappointments. However, ESPN’s Football Power Index (FPI) thinks the Hokies are going to be pretty good, picking them fourth in its ACC preseason rankings.
This is a massive year for Virginia Tech head football coach Brent Pry. Pry is entering his fourth season with the Hokies and has a disappointing 16-21 record. Expectations were high for the Hokies last season, but Tech finished 6-6 in the regular season and lost in a bowl game.