Virginia Tech Takes Down Maryland in Statement Road Win
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Virginia Tech made a statement in its first road test of the 2026 season.
The Hokies defeated Maryland 35-26 on Saturday night in College Park, improving to 3-0 and giving new head coach James Franklin his first Power Four victory at Virginia Tech. The win also snapped Maryland’s 20-game nonconference winning streak.
Grunkemeyer Leads The Way
Quarterback Ethan Grunkemeyer delivered one of his best performances of the season.
Grunkemeyer threw for 314 yards and three touchdowns while also adding a rushing touchdown. He immediately gave the Hokies control, connecting with Luke Reynolds for a 14-yard touchdown on Virginia Tech’s opening possession.
He later escaped the pocket on third-and-goal and ran for another score, giving the Hokies a 13-0 lead.
Virginia Tech’s offense was extremely efficient early, scoring touchdowns on five of its first six possessions.
Hokies Pull Away Before Maryland’s Rally
Virginia Tech took a 27-14 lead into halftime after Grunkemeyer found Ja’Ricous Hairston for a two-yard touchdown.
Jeffrey Overton Jr. also delivered a huge play, breaking free for a 49-yard touchdown reception that extended the Hokies’ advantage.
Overton added another touchdown in the third quarter, this time on a two-yard rushing score, pushing Virginia Tech’s lead to 35-14 heading into the fourth.
Maryland Makes It Interesting
The Terrapins refused to go quietly.
Maryland quarterback Malik Washington threw for 359 yards and three touchdowns, including fourth-quarter touchdown passes to Dorian Fleming and Chris Durr Jr.
However, Maryland failed on both of its fourth-quarter two-point attempts. Those misses kept the Terrapins from getting within one possession and allowed Virginia Tech to hold on for the victory.
A Huge Early Test Passed
This was Virginia Tech’s first Power Four matchup under Franklin, and the Hokies came through on the road.
After opening the season with wins over VMI and Old Dominion, Virginia Tech now sits at 3-0 heading into ACC play.
The Hokies will travel to Boston College next Saturday as they look to keep their perfect start alive.
Virginia Tech came into College Park looking for its first real test of the season.
It left with a statement win.
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