When the ACC decided to go to nine conference games in football beginning in 2026, that meant schools would play three non-conference games and nine conference games. That meant that Virginia Tech was going to have to drop one of its four scheduled non-conference games this upcoming fall.
On Wednesday, it was announced that Virginia Tech and James Madison were canceling their game in Blacksburg in September. That leaves the Hokies' non-conference games next season being VMI, Old Dominion at home, and a trip to Maryland. Instead of coming to Blacksburg, the Dukes will travel to San Diego State for a non-conference game on Sept.