Virginia Cavaliers Aim for Victory Against Hokies with High Stakes

The Virginia Cavaliers are set to face the Virginia Tech Hokies on Saturday, November 25, 2025, in a game loaded with significance. Currently, the Cavaliers stand at an impressive record of 9-2, while the Hokies are struggling at 3-8. This marks the largest record disparity in the history of their rivalry, a stark contrast to the 2016 matchup when Virginia had a record of 2-9 against Tech’s 8-3.

Virginia enters this contest as an 11-point favorite, according to Odds Shark, marking the most significant spread in the series since records began in 1995. The previous high was seven points in 2021, a season when the Hokies had just fired coach Justin Fuente and placed J.C. Price as interim head coach. This season, Virginia Tech has once again made a coaching change, dismissing Brent Pry and appointing Philip Montgomery as interim.

The stakes for the Cavaliers are high. A victory would not only solidify their place in the ACC Championship game but also bolster their hopes for a spot in the College Football Playoff (CFP). Virginia, currently ranked No. 18 in the playoff standings, would be virtually assured a playoff bid if they win on Saturday and again in the ACC championship.

While a loss would not eliminate Virginia from conference title contention, it would complicate their path significantly due to a complicated series of tiebreakers that could come into play. Yet, the Cavaliers are determined not to leave their fate to chance. “It’s one more game for one more game,” said quarterback Chandler Morris. “We’ve got a state championship coming in here at our place. Gonna be an awesome environment.”

Morris, who transferred from North Texas, is focused on bringing a championship to Virginia, a program that has not won the ACC since 1995. His confidence is echoed by a roster that has seen significant changes, leaving behind the painful memories of past defeats to the Hokies, who have dominated this rivalry in recent years.

Virginia’s coaching staff, led by fourth-year head coach Tony Elliott, has emphasized the importance of this matchup. Elliott has instilled a sense of responsibility among his players to change the narrative of the rivalry. “We talked about it a little bit,” he noted, highlighting the need to embrace the significance of the game while maintaining focus on the larger goal of the season.

The Cavaliers have also had to adjust to the loss of key players. Notably, linebacker Kam Robinson, who was a crucial defender, suffered a season-ending ACL injury against Duke two weeks ago. Despite this setback, the team remains committed to its goals. The mantra of the Virginia program is “TLC to CLT,” representing Team, Leadership, and Commitment to Charlotte, where the ACC Championship will be held.

As Virginia prepares for this pivotal game, the focus is not only on the immediate task at hand but also on the broader aspirations of the program. The Cavaliers are keen to demonstrate that they have the capability to compete at the highest levels of college football, a sentiment echoed by Morris when he stated his intent to lead the team to a championship.

With a strong roster, a determined mindset, and the right conditions for success, the Cavaliers are poised to seize a crucial victory against their long-time rivals. As the game approaches, the anticipation builds, making it clear that the implications of this match extend far beyond just the scoreboard.