College football rankings 2018: FanSided preseason Top 25
Uncertainty arose regarding the future of Josh Jackson as Virginia Tech’s quarterback thanks to some academic issues, but everything seems to be resolved, setting the sophomore up for a big year.
If Jackson is able to play the entire season, he will become one of the top quarterbacks in the ACC, if he isn’t that already. If he’s not able to play, Hendon Hooker has the talent to take over without a hitch, but the inexperience could be concerning. Sean Savoy will be of some assistance as a rising star at receiver, catching 39 passes for 454 yards and four scores as a freshman.
Jackson had 2,991 yards and 20 touchdown passes last season, so head coach Justin Fuente knows his sophomore gunslinger can ball.
Virginia Tech had the second-best defense in the ACC behind Clemson last season, but it loses seven starters. Most of the defensive line returns, but the linebackers will be inexperienced, along with just one returner in the secondary. To think that there won’t be any sort of drop-off would be silly, but this is still a top-tier unit.
The Hokies had nine wins last season but a tough schedule awaits in 2018. Anything more than nine victories would be a huge success.