BLACKSBURG – Virginia Tech football will officially kick off the 2024 season against an SEC opponent when it faces Vanderbilt at noon ET on Saturday, August 31. The Hokies will open the year on the road at FirstBank Stadium in Nashville, Tennessee.

In his third year at the helm, head coach Brent Pry is looking to start the season on a high note. Hokie Nation has entered the year with high expectations and is eagerly awaiting kickoff. Adding to the excitement is the fact that several home games at Lane Stadium are sold out. Fans are encouraged to secure seats for the remaining home games while tickets are still available.

Below you will find important information about the season opening game:

How to follow
TV: The game will be broadcast on ESPN with Roy Philpott (live commentary), Sam Acho (commentator) and Taylor Davis (sideline) as commentators.

Radio: The Virginia Tech Sports Network will broadcast the contest in Blacksburg on 93.1 FM and 105.9 FM. Bill Roth will provide game reports, Mike Burnop will provide color commentary and Zach Mackey will report from the sidelines.

Streaming: Watch the game online at ESPN.com and on the ESPN mobile app.

Live audio: Listen to live audio coverage of the game at HokieSports.com/Watch or in HokieSports mobile app.

Live statistics: Follow the game with live stats on HokieSports.comincluding live updates and full team and individual stats.

Social Media: Stay connected with the Hokies on Twitter (@HokiesFB), Instagram (@hokiesfb) and Facebook (@VirginiaTechFB).

Promise per update

Cheering on the Hokies on game day is very important to creating a dynamic atmosphere at Lane Stadium, but it is not the only way fans can support them throughout the season. Donors can set up recurring donations with initiatives such as Pledge Per Touchdown ($7), Pledge Per Sack ($3) and Pledger Per Win ($50). Participating in the Pledge Per campaigns this fall gives fans an additional way to support the program, and donations will begin with the first football game.

Players in focus

Quarterback Kyron Drones: In his first season as a true starter at Tech, the redshirt junior is headed for a potentially big year. After spending all of fall camp with the ones, the scheme under offensive coordinator Tyler Bowen should benefit from the continuity of returning starters. Drones offers plenty of athleticism to extend plays with his legs and plenty of talent in the arms to challenge the third level. Last season, he set a program record for pass attempts without an interception and showed a consistent ability to take care of the football. If Drones can continue to produce big plays through the air and with his agility, there should be plenty of reasons to support him as a candidate for the Davey O’Brien Award.

Wide Receiver Ali Jennings: The talented wideout, who was mentioned as a household name this time last year, is looking to pick up where he left off in the 2023 season opener. In his first game in the maroon and orange, Jennings caught five passes for 72 yards and two touchdowns. After a dynamic first outing, the sixth-year player from Richmond, Virginia, will look to get back on track following a season-ending injury in week two. After participating in fall camp, Jennings will be another experienced pass-receiving option alongside Da’Quan Felton and Jaylin Lane, to name a few.

Linebacker Sam Brumfield: Turning to the defensive side, defensive coordinator Chris Marve has plenty of talented players at his disposal. One particular addition through the transfer portal to keep an eye on is Middle Tennessee State’s Sam Brumfield. The Pearl, Mississippi native was recently named one of seven team captains and is expected to take over the middle linebacker position for the Hokies. Brumfield brings plenty of experience, having led the Blue Raiders in tackles (81) and being named to the All-Conference USA Second Team. The redshirt senior is a solid presence at the second level and will look to provide some stability in the front seven.