Imagine starting the college basketball season with sky-high hopes for your favorite team, only to find out the experts have them ranked near the bottom—does that fire you up or leave you scratching your head? That's exactly the buzz surrounding the Virginia Tech Hokies as we gear up for the 2025-26 campaign, where excitement in Blacksburg is palpable, but the ACC media isn't quite sharing the enthusiasm.
We're just weeks away from tip-off, with men's and women's games kicking off next month. Fans in Blacksburg are brimming with optimism for both Hokie squads, fueled by offseason shake-ups and fresh talent. But here's where it gets controversial: The ACC's preseason media poll has the Hokies sitting at No. 12, which might make you wonder if the experts are underestimating a squad that's poised for big things.
This poll, released on Tuesday, unsurprisingly crowned Duke as the top dog in the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC)—a prestigious league featuring powerhouse programs like North Carolina, Virginia, and more. For beginners diving into college hoops, the ACC is one of the most competitive conferences in NCAA Division I basketball, known for its rich history and intense rivalries. Duke, with their legendary blue-blooded tradition, grabbed 34 first-place votes and a total of 866 points to claim the No. 1 spot.
Let's break down the full preseason rankings, including those all-important first-place votes in parentheses:
- 1. Duke (34), 866
- 2. Louisville (15), 842
- 3. North Carolina, 741
- 4. NC State, 710
- 5. Virginia, 623
- 6. SMU, 616
- 7. Clemson, 510
- 8. Miami, 500
- 9. Syracuse, 489
- 10. Notre Dame, 477
- 11. Wake Forest, 412
- 12. Virginia Tech, 355
- 13. Georgia Tech, 315
- 14. Pitt, 301
- 15. Florida State, 221
- 16. California, 156
- 17. Stanford, 138
- 18. Boston College, 107
So, Virginia Tech lands at No. 12—not just in the ACC, but nationally speaking, this is a conference-specific ranking. And this is the part most people miss: While the media might be lukewarm, insiders like Jon Rothstein, a seasoned college basketball analyst, are singing a different tune. He sees real potential in the Hokies, backed by coach Mike Young's uncharacteristic hype for this group. Young, typically upbeat, has been downright effusive about the 2025-26 squad, highlighting their size, depth, and a defensive focus returning with assistant Chester Frazier.
What makes this season intriguing is Virginia Tech's bold roster overhaul. They kept only four players from last year's team—the ones they really wanted—and rebuilt with a blend of talented freshmen, transfers, and international stars like Neoklis Avdalas from Greece, who could be a game-changer on the court. For context, transfers in college sports allow players to switch schools after sitting out a year, bringing in experienced talent that can elevate a program quickly. With increased funding pouring into the basketball program, it's easy to see why optimism is running high.
Sure, it's just a preseason poll, and rankings can shift dramatically once the games begin. Wins and losses happen on the hardwood, not in predictions. By late December, we'll have a clearer picture of how the Hokies stack up. Plus, the entire ACC looks stronger this year—think a revitalized Virginia team under new coach Ryan Odom, flush with resources and a completely new roster. And this is where a controversial interpretation creeps in: Some might argue that the media's low ranking for Virginia Tech is a classic case of overlooking a sleeper team, or perhaps it's just safe punditry to avoid overhyping a squad that's still proving itself. Are polls like this helpful hype-builders, or do they unfairly dampen spirits? What do you think—is Virginia Tech underrated, or is the media spot-on with their skepticism?
The same cautious vibe extends to the Lady Hokies, the women's team. They exceeded expectations in coach Megan Duffy's debut season after Kenny Brooks' abrupt mid-season exit, which gutted the roster by stripping away key players. Now, with several starters returning, plus a smart mix of transfers and newcomers, Duffy's squad appears primed for continued success.
In the end, barring any unexpected injuries, we're confident the Hokies—men and women—will shine in 2025-26. But here's another thought-provoking angle: Is the ACC media playing it too safe by ranking them this low, or does their outsider status prove the poll's credibility? We'd love to hear your take—do you agree that Virginia Tech is poised for an upset, or should we temper our excitement? Share in the comments below and let's discuss!
