After snatching 11 former Penn State commits and landing the nation’s 19th-ranked transfer portal class, James Franklin’s offseason investments are finally about to hit the gridiron for the first time. Spring football is arriving a bit early for the Virginia Tech Hokies, and the pressure is on.

“Spring Saturdays in the ‘Burg. Town buzzing. Tailgates rolling. Bands playing. Stands packed. First look at VTFB 2026 #LGH,” James Franklin hopped onto his X handle and released the date for Virginia Tech’s spring game with a first look at Lane Stadium.

Coach James Franklin has officially circled Saturday, April 18, 2026, on the calendar for Virginia Tech’s Spring Game. If you’re looking for a reason to head to Blacksburg, this is it. The game kicks off at 11:00 a.m. inside Lane Stadium, and the best part is that it’s completely free to get in. The game serves as a large “welcome to the team” party for the new coaching staff and all the new players.

James Franklin brought in a top-ranked recruiting class with 18 new players who graduated high school early just to get on the field for this game. Franklin made the shocking move of bringing back former head coach Brent Pry as defensive coordinator.

The spring game is the centerpiece of a massive Spring Family Weekend. It’s an event organized to rally the entire Blacksburg community, from the poignant 3.2-Mile Run in Remembrance to home baseball and softball games. Those games build towards the main event at Lane Stadium.

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Significantly, this honors the victims of the 2007 tragedy. This powerful Hokie tradition brings the community together before the tailgating and football begin. There will also be home baseball and softball games. If you’re planning to go, the school suggests you RSVP on the Hokiesports website so they can send you updates on parking and where to hang out before kickoff.

It’s the perfect test drive for the team before they officially open the regular season this September against VMI. However, when you hire a coach of James Franklin’s caliber (top 10), the expectation to win the ACC in Year 1 comes along as part of the package.

James Franklin enters with immense pressure and expectations

The Virginia Tech Hokies’ 2025 season was a bit of a bummer with a 3-9 record. This season, the fans are not expecting anything less than 9-3. CBS Sports’ John Talty gave the bare minimum for James Franklin’s program after the disastrous year:

“I think you could say it’s as low as making a bowl game,” the CBS analyst said. “Looking at their schedule, looking at the talent they’ve brought in, I feel like eight wins is possible. I think it’s feasible. I think that would keep the momentum he has right now going. They finished strong on the recruiting trail and added some key pieces.

Virginia Tech is a program that’s struggled. They’ve not had success since the Frank Beamer days. Getting to eight (wins) would make people feel good, like this is the kind of guy that we needed to come in, to raise the floor of what we’re capable of doing. To rebuild the program that has seen better days. It’s possible they’re 6-0 heading to Georgia Tech.”

People in Blacksburg are desperate to get back to the Frank Beamer standard. It means being a powerhouse that wins conference titles every 5-6 years and never misses a bowl game. The former Hokies’ legendary head coach compiled a 238-121-2 record and four conference titles during his 29 years in Blacksburg.

However, the goalposts have been moved for Franklin. If the head coach fails to win the ACC title in the next 2-3 years, he would face the same fate he did in State College.