Sons of Saturday: Virginia Tech Hokies

BRM and Pat catch up on Virginia Tech's biggest storylines ahead of the Spring Game. Hokie Hoops portal news, Spring Practice rumblings, and some other random topics like Ella Langley and UVA's Luke Combs concert. Ben Byrd joins the show to share more about his practice and connection to VT + some Roanoke LORE! Learn more at TrialsVA.com

BRM catches up with class of 2027 standout, Austin Barrett, to break down his recruitment and recent visit to Virginia Tech. Austin is a 6-1 defensive back out of Paramus Catholic, NJ. He currently holds offers from Auburn, Michigan State, Wisconsin, Virginia Tech, and others.

Despite improved talent and higher expectations, the #Hokies finished the 2025–2026 season at 19–13, ultimately falling short of the NCAA Tournament once again. Mike Young’s squad showed flashes of potential but struggled with consistency, injuries, and closing out key games — a theme that defined their season. In this episode, a panel of Sons of Saturday contributors have a big-picture discussion about this past season, roster construction, our staff’s challenges in the NIL era, and, of course, future expectations. What changes are needed for Virginia Tech to compete in an increasingly competitive ACC and get back to the tournament? The answer is more complicated than just "more money". Tune in for an honest assessment of the challenges facing Mike Young and his program.

FOIAball is one of the most fascinating publications in college football — using public records to uncover what’s really happening behind the scenes. In this interview, we sit down with founder David Covucci to break down: How FOIA (Freedom of Information Act) actually works The wildest stories uncovered in college football NIL deals, boosters, and what schools don’t want you to see The future of transparency in college sports FOIAball digs through public records across all 50 states to reveal “big, wild, and weird” stories in college football — from spending habits to behind-the-scenes power dynamics. If you love college football, NIL drama, or investigative journalism — this is a must-watch. 👇 Check out FOIAball:https://www.foiaball.com/

Megan Duffy's Virginia Tech squad heads into the NCAA Tournament as a 9-seed facing a tough matchup against Oregon. The Ducks can really shoot the ball, which will put pressure on the Hokies’ defense from the start. Can the Hokies slow them down and control the tempo? Pete and Ed break down the matchup, key players, and what VT needs to do to advance.

We break down the impact that James Franklin has had on the entire Virginia Tech athletic department in his first few months on the job. We also touch on the roster updates, coaching staff media availability and more. We also round the episode out with some CHALK TALK on football 101.

Ed, Pete, and Mike are back to recap the latest from the hardwood. The Hokie women did the heavy lifting this weekend, grabbing a huge victory on the road over UVA. The men were not as fortunate; they fell behind early in the second half and lost down in Chapel Hill. Somehow, Mike Young's squad could still play their way into the NCAA tournament, but it won't be easy.

BRM and Ed share their 24-ish hour trip to Blacksburg, which included a double-digit win for MBB + an ACC Championship on the mat. The fellas also share some BIG life news.

The 2010 film The Town, directed by Ben Affleck, is a favorite of the podcast crew. Taking some inspiration from Bill Simmons and The Ringer’s podcast The Rewatchables, Robert Irby and BRM handed out awards connecting the movie to the 2025–26 college football season. If you haven’t seen the movie yet, it’s not too late to right that wrong. This podcast will make much more sense if you take 124 minutes to check it out! As of this posting, you can stream The Town with a subscription to HBO Max.

Mike Young does it again! Just when you think the team is starting to look dead in the water, he pulls out a giant upset. With a third Q1 win in their back pocket now, Virginia Tech is firmly back on the bubble - if that makes sense. This makes every game left in Cassell a must-win, including this weekend's matchup against the Florida State.

When Buzz Williams took over the Maryland Basketball job following Kevin Willard's messy departure, we shared 2 predictions with Terrapin fans. 1. Buzz is the most bizarre person you will likely ever have as a head coach. 2. You will probably win a TON of basketball games. 3. He will leave when he wants to 4-6 years later Terps quickly realized that the first point is overwhelmingly true, the second has fallen very, very flat so far based on fan expectations (even for a first-year coach), and the third looks near impossible to imagine. Is Buzz the right guy for this program? Is Buzz a "fraud" as many people have labeled him? Or, is he as odd as advertised? We share our thoughts.

BRM and Pat catch up on all the Hokie headlines + bid a farewell to the football season recapping a (pretty awful) Super Bowl product.

BRM and Coach Holmes break down Coach Franklin's first staff at Virginia Tech. We look into backgrounds, recruiting ties, and much more. Presser Reactions Chalk Talk | James Franklin's Offense

Virginia Tech finally announced its full coaching staff, which includes former Hokies head coach Brent Pry. Coach Franklin was joined by all 3 coordinators for a press conference today. BRM catches up with Ryan Castle, who was on the scene today Link to presser Ryan's post-presser article

Ed and Pete recap the Hokies loss to Duke. Mike Young's team couldn't overcome a poor shooting performance against one of the best teams in the country. Up next is NC State down in Raleigh - huge bounce back opportunity with a chance for a Q1 win.

Ed, Pete, and Mike try to make sense of yet another blown lead in the final minutes of a game.The guys offer their thoughts on what might be going on, and dive into some of the individual performances were seen through the first half of ACC play - Ben Hammond has been nothing short of sensational. Let's hope he can keep it going vs. Duke in Cassell this Saturday.

In year one of the James Franklin era, the Hokies' schedule finishes 5 of the top 6 teams in the league, AND Clemson! The Hokies will have some potential top-25 challenges, and most *if not all* of them are projected to come on the road. What is the gang's first reaction to this slate?

BRM and Coach Holmes dive into the James Franklin offense from his time at Maryland and look at some of his basic run and pass concepts that will give the Hokies a new look in 2026. Castle View HS Baseball Indoor Facility: https://gofund.me/c4aa967e2

A day after the Hokies W in Syracuse, BRM catches up with Krabs from bookitsports to discuss the wild life of this Hokie Hoops squad living on the edge. We talk about Ben Hammond's development, Coach Young's end-of-game management, and how Neo's progression can be the key for the team in March.

Ed, Pete, and Mike are back to recap another eventful week in Tech basketball. Mike Young had his guys focused and ready to go after a tough road loss to SMU.

James Franklin continues to bring in talent from the transfer portal, and the addition of Penn State QB Ethan Grunkemeyer might be the best get yet. Tech still stands as the number one portal class in the ACC, and as of Wednesday afternoon, it is 3rd overall. We discuss the Grunk addition, Miami's QB situation, UVA's portal additions, and more.

Sam Jessee joins Ed and Pete to talk about the last couple men's basketball games. It seems as if every ACC game is going to come down to the wire for the Hokies this season.

The Hokies' portal class now sits at 20 incoming players for James Franklin's 2026 team. Tech also finds itself in the top three nationally for portal rankings. Who are the new additions, and what is Coach Franklin's strategy? BRM breaks it all down!

Last season, Virginia Tech had the 33rd-ranked portal class in the Country, sandwiched between Oregon State and Maryland. This year, the Hokies are firmly in the top 10 after landing a top-25 recruiting class in just a few weeks. We break down all the action for the Hokies since 2026 got started. Talk some SEC bowl woes, and much more.

BRM and Pat shake off the Holiday haze by recapping the latest happenings in the transfer portal for the Hokies, plus a rundown of what we need to keep and be rid of in this new year!

Ed and BRM recap the Hokies' 3-overtime win over the Cavaliers and a heartbreaking loss to the Demon Deacons in Winston-Salem. Can Virginia Tech get back to full strength soon?

Pete and Mike are back to get you prepped for ACC play. The Hokies take on Virginia on the eve of 2026. Unfortunately, the injury bug has bit Mike Young's squad just prior to some huge conference matchups. Nevertheless, this boys are sure to fight to the bitter end on their home court.

One of the top wrestling prospects in America, Bo Bassett boasts a 126-0 record in his Bishop McCort career. He is the first wrestler ever to win the Super 32 4x in a row, and will be taking his talents to Blacksburg to wrestle for Coach Robie and the Hokies. BRM and Pat caught up with Bo to learn more about his training regimen, decision to come to Virginia Tech, and his goals as a future Hokie. Join the Section 5 Club Today! https://patreon.com/SonsofSaturdayvt?utm_medium=clipboard_copy&utm_source=copyLink&utm_campaign=creatorshare_fan&utm_content=join_link Get 10% off your first order at https://whitleyspeanut.com with code "SONSGIFT". A perfect gift for the Holidays.

BRM and Coach Holmes do a deep dive on the Virginia Tech football staff, which is almost complete. From newcomers, national wave makers, and up-and-comers... the staff is rounding out great for year one. Brent Pry Reaction: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BlewxgfWHLs&t=1451s Matt More interview: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G9cDPC0qmxs&t=733s Join the Section 5 Club Today! https://patreon.com/SonsofSaturdayvt?utm_medium=clipboard_copy&utm_source=copyLink&utm_campaign=creatorshare_fan&utm_content=join_link Get 10% off your first order at https://whitleyspeanut.com with code "SONSGIFT". A perfect gift for the Holidays.

The gang is all together for a look back at all the good, bad, and ugly that 2025 brought us. From the Metallica concert, highs and lows of football, and beyond... Join the Section 5 Club Today! https://patreon.com/SonsofSaturdayvt?utm_medium=clipboard_copy&utm_source=copyLink&utm_campaign=creatorshare_fan&utm_content=join_link Get 10% off your first order at https://whitleyspeanut.com with code "SONSGIFT"—a perfect gift for the Holidays.

Ed, Pete, and Mike were fresh off the Western Carolina win for the Hokies for this one. Amani dominated the first half, Neo dominated the second, and Tech got an easy victory to move to 9-2. The guys break down what they've seen the last two games and what might have this team turning the corner.

BRM shares his thoughts on the Hokies' unprecedented move in bringing back recently fired Brent Pry as James Franklin's Defensive Coordinator. Will this work? What are the Pros and the Cons?

Ed catches up with the 3 impact underclassmen who all opted to stay in Blacksburg from last season. Join the Section 5 Club Today! https://patreon.com/SonsofSaturdayvt?utm_medium=clipboard_copy&utm_source=copyLink&utm_campaign=creatorshare_fan&utm_content=join_link Get 10% off your first order at https://whitleyspeanut.com with code "SONSGIFT". A perfect gift for the Holidays.

Ed and Pete breakdown the Hokies big win at South Carolina in the ACC/SEC challenge. They also talk through the remainder of the non-conference schedule, and what went wrong in Atlantis.

Pete B and BRM recap one of the most incredible 2-week sprints in College Football recruiting history as James Franklin catapulted the Hokies into the top 25. College Football Monday - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RQk00RWZoyc&t=117s J. Pearson on "The Art of the Deal" - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ICeayS9dRpc&t=663s Get 10% off your first order at https://whitleyspeanut.com with code "SONSGIFT". A perfect gift for the Holidays. Section 5 Club: https://patreon.com/SonsofSaturdayvt?utm_medium=clipboard_copy&utm_source=copyLink&utm_campaign=creatorshare_fan&utm_content=join_link

BRM catches up with Nate Large (bighokieguy12) on his late-night run-in with Coach Foster and the search committee just hours before James Franklin put pen to paper to take the Virginia Tech job. J. Pearson on "The Art of the Deal" - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ICeayS9dRpc&t=663s Get 10% off your first order at https://whitleyspeanut.com with code "SONSGIFT". A perfect gift for the Holidays. Section 5 Club: https://patreon.com/SonsofSaturdayvt?utm_medium=clipboard_copy&utm_source=copyLink&utm_campaign=creatorshare_fan&utm_content=join_link

Pat and BRM react to Virginia Tech's beatdown at the hands of the Hoos in Charlottesville in the final act of this chapter of Hokies Football. Section 5 Club: https://patreon.com/SonsofSaturdayvt?utm_medium=clipboard_copy&utm_source=copyLink&utm_campaign=creatorshare_fan&utm_content=join_link

BRM brings back everyone's favorite Wahoo, Jake Malasek, to preview this year's Commonwealth Clash, which has the highest stakes since 2019. Unfortunately, the stakes are on one side, but the Hokies stand a chance to ruin UVA's season. Section 5 Club: https://patreon.com/SonsofSaturdayvt?utm_medium=clipboard_copy&utm_source=copyLink&utm_campaign=creatorshare_fan&utm_content=join_link Newsletter: https://sonsofsaturday.us10.list-manage.com/subscribe/post?u=dd848d3053c1096c082f9edd6&id=bf1475dadc

BRM and Pat preview the Hokies' trip to Charlottesville. The Hokies are looking for a season-defining win in their last game of the year, while the Hoos look to secure a trip to Charlotte for a shot at the ACC crown. J. Pearson Interview - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ICeayS9dRpc Section 5 Club: https://patreon.com/SonsofSaturdayvt?utm_medium=clipboard_copy&utm_source=copyLink&utm_campaign=creatorshare_fan&utm_content=join_link Newsletter: https://sonsofsaturday.us10.list-manage.com/subscribe/post?u=dd848d3053c1096c082f9edd6&id=bf1475dadc

Hokies coaching search committee member J. Pearson recounts the story of how Virginia Tech was able to land James Franklin as their new head football coach. Get 10% off your order at https://whitleyspeanut.com with code "SONSFALL"—a perfect gift for the Holidays. Section 5 Club: https://patreon.com/SonsofSaturdayvt?utm_medium=clipboard_copy&utm_source=copyLink&utm_campaign=creatorshare_fan&utm_content=join_link Newsletter: https://sonsofsaturday.us10.list-manage.com/subscribe/post?u=dd848d3053c1096c082f9edd6&id=bf1475dadc

A slow start in James Franklin's welcome to Blacksburg led teo another Hokies loss. On the flip side, it does seem like Tech's performance may have just knocked Miami out of the playoff race. Section 5 Club: https://patreon.com/SonsofSaturdayvt?utm_medium=clipboard_copy&utm_source=copyLink&utm_campaign=creatorshare_fan&utm_content=join_link Newsletter: https://sonsofsaturday.us10.list-manage.com/subscribe/post?u=dd848d3053c1096c082f9edd6&id=bf1475dadc

Ed, Pete, and Mike are back to recap the last week and half of Hokie Hoops. While still undefeated, the men's team is far from perfect. The guys break down what fixes may be needed before the squad ships off to the Bahamas.

Now that the Hokies have officially named James Franklin as Head Hokie, we decided to consult known Penn State fanatic, Ty Hildenbrandt from the Solid Verbal‬ to get a better understanding of who exactly James Franklin is and how his time at Penn State contributed to who he is today as he steps into this next challenge.

Jake Crain from Crain and Company joins the show to break down the crazy college football coaching carousel and the Hokies' hiring of James Franklin. Section 5 Club: https://patreon.com/SonsofSaturdayvt?utm_medium=clipboard_copy&utm_source=copyLink&utm_campaign=creatorshare_fan&utm_content=join_link Newsletter: https://sonsofsaturday.us10.list-manage.com/subscribe/post?u=dd848d3053c1096c082f9edd6&id=bf1475dadc