Five Non-Conference Opponents Virginia Tech Football Should Schedule

Virginia Tech faces scheduling pressure as the ACC expands its in-conference slate to nine games, forcing more deliberate choices for non-conference showdowns. Athletic departments must balance revenue from home games, compelling matchups for fans, bowl eligibility, and a favorable position for the expanded 12-team College Football Playoff. The piece proposes five non-conference opponents that Tech could target in future seasons, beginning with regional opportunities and recruiting impact across the Mid-Atlantic. No. 1 West Virginia would renew the Black Diamond Trophy rivalry, while No. 2 Tennessee would offer a high-profile home-and-home series, No. 3 Penn State would test in a White Out environment, and No. 4 South Carolina would provide a border-state contest.

The article notes that No. 5 is not included in the excerpt, leaving one more potential opponent to be discussed in future coverage.