Pittsburgh at Virginia Tech - 2026 Matchup Preview
Pittsburgh logo Pittsburgh Panthers at Virginia Tech HokiesVirginia Tech logo
Friday, October 2nd 2026 (12:00 PM EDT)
Lane Stadium - Blacksburg, VA

 
Panthers (0 - 0) (0 - 0 - 0)
Coach Pat Narduzzi (80 - 61)
Avg Score : 34 - 25 (33 - 25 on Road)
Record Prediction: 8.5 - 4.5 (#41)
'26 Opponents: (Elite: ) (Good: ) (Avg: ) (Bad: 0)
VT is playing their 5th straight game
PITT is playing their 5th straight game
Our Line: Pittsburgh -7.5  (SP+ PITT -18.5)
Projected Score: PITT: 32 - VT: 24 (56)
PITT Win prob: 73% | Cover: 49%
PITT Travel: 224 miles
Hokies (0 - 0) (0 - 0 - 0)
Coach James Franklin (0 - 0)
Avg Score : 21 - 30 (26 - 32 @ Home)
Record Prediction: 3 - 9 (#115)
'26 Opponents: (Elite: ) (Good: ) (Avg: ) (Bad: 0)
 
Pittsburgh's 2026 Schedule
DateMatchupSpreadTotalResultO/UCover
Sat 9/5 Pittsburgh vs Miami (OH)-14.5
Sat 9/12 Pittsburgh vs UCF-13
Thu 9/17 Pittsburgh vs Syracuse-18
Sat 9/26 Pittsburgh vs Bucknell-31.5
Fri 10/2 Pittsburgh at Virginia Tech-7.5
Sat 10/10 Pittsburgh vs North Carolina-11.5
Sat 10/17 Pittsburgh at Boston College-10
Sat 10/24 Pittsburgh at Miami+17.5
Sat 10/31 Pittsburgh vs Georgia Tech-4
BYE WEEK
Fri 11/13 Pittsburgh vs Florida State-3
Sat 11/21 Pittsburgh at Louisville+5
Sat 11/28 Pittsburgh at California-5

Total: Elite: , Good: , Avg , Bad , Poor
Played: Elite: , Good: , Avg , Bad , Poor
Future: Elite: , Good: , Avg , Bad , Poor
Wins: Elite: , Good: , Avg: , Bad: , Poor:
Losses: Elite: , Good: , Avg: , Bad: , Poor:

Predictions for Pittsburgh's Schedule
Virginia Tech's 2026 Schedule
DateMatchupSpreadTotalResultO/UCover
Sat 9/5 Virginia Tech vs VMI-21.5
Sat 9/12 Virginia Tech vs Old Dominion-3.5
Sat 9/19 Virginia Tech at Maryland+6.5
Sat 9/26 Virginia Tech at Boston College-0
Fri 10/2 Virginia Tech vs Pittsburgh+7.5
Sat 10/10 Virginia Tech at California+5
Sat 10/17 Virginia Tech vs Georgia Tech+6.5
Sat 10/24 Virginia Tech at Clemson+13.5
BYE WEEK
Fri 11/6 Virginia Tech at SMU+16
Sat 11/14 Virginia Tech vs Stanford-5.5
Fri 11/20 Virginia Tech at Miami+28
Sat 11/28 Virginia Tech vs Virginia+8

Total: Elite: , Good: , Avg , Bad , Poor
Played: Elite: , Good: , Avg , Bad , Poor
Future: Elite: , Good: , Avg , Bad , Poor
Wins: Elite: , Good: , Avg: , Bad: , Poor:
Losses: Elite: , Good: , Avg: , Bad: , Poor:

Predictions for Virginia Tech's Schedule
Important Stats (2025)
 Teams                  Off Explosive.Off SuccessPPGRush SuccessOL Yds Per AttRush YPGPass SuccessPass YPGOff ScoreZoneDef Explosive.Def SuccessDef PPGRunD SuccessPass D SuccessDef ScoreZonePenalty YPGTO PGDef TO PG
PITT#57 (.19)41% (94)33.741% (96)2.63 (122)11841% (75)2743.65 (74)#24 (.08)35% (11)24.834% (7)37% (23)3.81 (82)67.41.81.6
VT#70 (.17)42% (84)21.448% (24)3.33 (12)18334% (131)1663.68 (70)#131 (.28)46% (123)30.245% (101)47% (123)4.34 (126)64.31.30.5
 Teams                  Off Explosive.Off SuccessPPGRush SuccessOL Yds Per AttRush YPGPass SuccessPass YPGOff ScoreZoneDef Explosive.Def SuccessDef PPGRunD SuccessPass D SuccessDef ScoreZonePenalty YPGTO PGDef TO PG
PITT0%0%000%000%0%0%0000
VT0%0%000%000%0%0%0000



Overall Stats 2025
 Teams                  GamesPPGPPG H/RSuccess RatePts PerOppTO1stD PGTotalYds PGRushYds PGPassYdsPGRYPARun RatePass RateRun SuccessPass SuccessHavoc RateTotal PPA
PITT Offense1333.73340.6%3.651.8213911182743.643%55%41%41%18%.19
VT Defense1230.231.645.6%4.340.5 - - - - - 52%46%45%47%13%.28
 Teams                  GamesPPGPPG H/RSuccess RatePts PerOppTO1stD PGTotalYds PGRushYds PGPassYdsPGRYPARun RatePass RateRun SuccessPass SuccessHavoc RateTotal PPA
PITT Defense1324.824.635.1%3.811.6 - - - - - 46%52%34%37%19%.08
VT Offense1221.42641.6%3.681.319350183166555%43%48%34%17%.17

Additional Stats 2025
 Teams                  GamesPossession Time1st Downs PG3rd Down %4th Down %Penalties PGPenalty Yds PGOff TO PGDef TO PGTFL PGSacks PGD/ST TDsAvg Field Pos
Pittsburgh1328:5520.833%61%7.367.41.81.67.72.4633.3
Virginia Tech1229:1318.939%48%7.264.31.30.54.91.6026.8
Run Game Stats (2026)
 Teams                  GamesRun Play RateRun Play SuccessRush Att PGRush Yds PGRush Yds Per AttRushing TDsRun Pred Pts AddedOL Yds Per Att3rd/4th & ShortFront 7 HavocRun Play Explosivness
PITT Offense1343% (115)41% (96)33.1117.73.618 (70).06 (97)2.63 (122)67% (97)11% (107)1.01 (51)
VT Defense1252% (95)45% (101) - - - - .18 (110)3.01 (95)80% (122)9% (103)0.98 (78)
 Teams                  GamesRun Play RateRun Play SuccessRush Att PGRush Yds PGRush Yds Per AttRushing TDsRun Pred Pts AddedOL Yds Per Att3rd/4th & ShortFront 7 HavocRun Play Explosivness
PITT Defense1346% (26)34% (7) - - - - -.06 (7)2.34 (6)69% (53)13% (8)0.96 (69)
VT Offense1255% (27)48% (24)36.9183.2513 (107).2 (27)3.33 (12)70% (81)10% (95)0.97 (64)

Pass Game Stats (2026)
 Teams                  GamesPassPlay RatePassPlay SuccessComp PGAtt PGYds PGYds PAYds PCTDs    Ints    PassPlays PPAPassPlays ExplPassDowns RatePassDowns Succ RatePassDowns PPADB HavocPassDowns Expl
PITT Offense1355% (23)41% (75)22.235.7273.57.712.329 (8)15 (127).34 (40)1.7 (29)33% (103)31% (63).35 (53)8% (123)2 (66)
VT Defense1246% (41)47% (123) - - - - - - 4 (100).42 (129)1.5 (57)28% (118)34% (121).51 (135)5% (118)2.1 (99)
 Teams                  GamesPassPlay RatePassPlay SuccessComp PGAtt PGYds PGYds PAYds PCTDs    Ints    PassPlays PPAPassPlays ExplPassDowns RatePassDowns Succ RatePassDowns PPADB HavocPassDowns Expl
PITT Defense1352% (109)37% (23) - - - - - - 15 (31).21 (53)1.6 (110)37% (8)26% (19).17 (20)6% (47)2.1 (92)
VT Offense1243% (110)34% (131)1526.6166.36.311.117 (61)9 (60).15 (113)1.7 (21)33% (95)26% (110).33 (58)7% (95)2.1 (37)

Pittsburgh's Power Ratings
Pittsburgh's Power Rating: 7.90  #34
Pittsburgh's Offense Rating: 12.38  #58
Pittsburgh's Defense Rating: 9.48  #23
2026 Talent Rating: 782.00  #60
Blue Chip Ratio: 4%  #56
Pittsburgh's 2026 Expected Record: 8.5 - 4.5
Pittsburgh's 2026 Overall SP+ Rating: 8.4  #36
Pittsburgh's Offense SP+ Rating: 31.6  #39
Pittsburgh's Defense SP+ Rating: 23.5  #47

Average Talent
Average ACC Talent Rating is 854.47
Average Power Five Talent: 883.28
Average FBS Talent: 705.75

Power Ratings Matchup
Pittsburgh: 7.90   Virginia Tech: 0.46

SP+ Ratings Matchup
Pittsburgh: 8.4   Virginia Tech: -10.1




Virginia Tech's Power Ratings
Virginia Tech's Power Rating: 0.46  #38
Virginia Tech's Offense Rating: 15.48  #31
Virginia Tech's Defense Rating: 14.46  #50
2026 Talent Rating: 968.00  #18
Blue Chip Ratio: 5  #54
Virginia Tech's 2026 Expected Record: 3.0 - 9.0
Virginia Tech's 2026 Overall SP+ Rating: -10.1  #105
Virginia Tech's Offense SP+ Rating: 21.4  #109
Virginia Tech's Defense SP+ Rating: 30.8  #96

Average Talent
Average ACC Talent Rating is 854.47
Average Power Five Talent: 883.28
Average FBS Talent: 705.75


Pittsburgh Scoring
Offense: 33.7 PPG
Offense on Road: 33
Defense: 24.8 PPG
Defense on Road: 24.6

Pittsburgh's 2026 Record
Record: 0 - 0
Record vs Spread: 0 - 0 - 0
Over/Under Record: 0 - 0
Record on Road: 0 - 0
Record vs Spread on Road: 0 - 0 - 0
Projected Score
Pittsburgh 32
Virginia Tech 24

Projected Total Points: 56
Virginia Tech Scoring
Offense: 21.4 PPG
Offense at Home: 26
Defense: 30.2 PPG
Defense at Home: 31.6

Virginia Tech's 2026 Record
Record: 0 - 0
Record vs Spread: 0 - 0 - 0
Over/Under Record: 0 - 0
Record at home: 0 - 0
Record vs Spread at home: 0 - 0 - 0


YearDateHomeScoreAwayScoreSpreadCoverTotalO/U
202309/30Virginia Tech38Pittsburgh21Pittsburgh -3Virginia Tech40.0Over
202210/08Pittsburgh45Virginia Tech29Pittsburgh -14.5Pittsburgh42.0Over
202110/16Virginia Tech7Pittsburgh28Pittsburgh -6Pittsburgh55.5Under
202011/21Pittsburgh47Virginia Tech14Virginia Tech -6.5Pittsburgh52.5Over
201911/23Virginia Tech28Pittsburgh0Virginia Tech -3.5Virginia Tech44.0Under
201811/10Pittsburgh52Virginia Tech22Pittsburgh -4Pittsburgh52.0Over
201711/18Virginia Tech20Pittsburgh14Virginia Tech -14Pittsburgh49.5Under
201610/27Pittsburgh36Virginia Tech39Virginia Tech -4Pittsburgh53.5Over
201510/03Virginia Tech13Pittsburgh17Virginia Tech -4.5Pittsburgh44.5Under
201410/16Pittsburgh21Virginia Tech16Virginia Tech -2.5Pittsburgh0
201310/12Virginia Tech19Pittsburgh9Virginia Tech -9.5Virginia Tech0
201209/15Pittsburgh35Virginia Tech17
200311/08Pittsburgh31Virginia Tech28
200211/02Virginia Tech21Pittsburgh28
200111/03Pittsburgh38Virginia Tech7
200010/27Virginia Tech37Pittsburgh34
TeamWinsCoversO/U
Virginia Tech635 Overs
Pittsburgh1084 Unders

WinsCoversFavsDogs
Home Teams12 - 48 - 34 - 24 - 1
Road Teams4 - 123 - 81 - 42 - 4

(#34) PITT at (#38) VT
Overall StatsOvr
CategoryCatPITTVT
Net PPPPPPNRNR
Power RatePwr #34 #38
SP+SP+ #36 #105
Perf GradeGradeNRNR
OffenseOffNRNR
DefenseDefNRNR
Spec TeamsSTNRNR
TalentTal #60 #18
Blue ChipsBC% #56 #54
Pittsburgh on Offense
Pass heavy Offense 55%, Run: 43%
CategoryCat
PITT OffVT Def
PPPOffPPPNRNR
Perf GradePerfNRNR
SuccessSuc #94 #123
ExplosiveExp #10 #67
PPAPPA #57 #131
PowerPwr #58 #50
SP+SP+ #39 #96
Pts POPPO #74 #126
HavocHav #120 #116
Pittsburgh Run Game
Pass heavy Offense 55%, Run: 43%
CategoryCat
PITT OffVT Def
Run GameRunNRNR
Run SuccessRSuc #96 #101
Run ExplRExp #51 #78
PPAExp #97 #110
Run BlockR BlkNR -
OL YdsOLY #122 #95
Stuff RateStuff #129 #107
TackleTak - NR
Pittsburgh Pass Game
Pass heavy Offense 55%, Run: 43%
CategoryCat
PITT OffVT Def
Pass GamePassNRNR
Pass SuccessPSuc #75 #123
Pass ExplPExl #29 #57
PPAExp #40 #129
Pass Rush/BlockP BlkNRNR
F7 HavocF7 #107 #103
DB HavocDB #123 #118
Virginia Tech on Offense
Run heavy Offense 55%, Pass: 43%
CategoryCatVT OffPITT Def
PPPDefPPPNRNR
Perf GradePerfNRNR
SuccessSuc #84 #11
ExplosiveExp #67 #119
PPAPPA #70 #24
PowerPwr #31 #23
SP+SP+ #109 #47
Pts POPPO #70 #82
HavocHav #94 #13
Virginia Tech Run Game
Run heavy Offense 55%, Pass: 43%
CategoryCat
VT OffPITT Def
Run GameRunNRNR
Run SuccessRSuc #24 #7
Run ExplRExp #64 #69
PPAExp #27 #7
Run BlockR BlkNR -
OL YdsOLY #12 #6
Stuff RateStuff #17 #7
TackleTak - NR
Virginia Tech Pass Game
Run heavy Offense 55%, Pass: 43%
CategoryCatVT OffPITT Def
Pass GamePassNRNR
Pass SuccessPSuc #131 #23
Pass ExplPExl #21 #110
PPAExp #113 #53
Pass Block/RushP BlkNRNR
F7 HavocF7 #95 #8
DB HavocDB #95 #47
Program Comparison
VT 5 Year Profile: Declining Average G5
'26 Profile: Down to Below Avg G5

PITT 5 Year Profile: Consistent Below Avg P4
'26 Profile: Up to Average P4

Weather Forecast
Playing in Lane Stadium
Conditions:
Temp: 0°
Previous Matchups
Virginia Tech beat Pittsburgh in 2023 (38-21)

  
PITT's OC Kade Bell (been OC for 3 years)
Player NameCOMPATTPCTYDSTDINTYPA
Mason Heintschel20131664%23571687.5
Holden Geriner (Tr)010%0000.0
Player NameCARYDSTDYPCLONG
Ja'Kyrian Turner14074775.356
La'Vell Wright (Tr)85471105.539
Mason Heintschel868821.036
Justin Cook93103.413
Player NameRECYDSTDYPCLONG
Cataurus Hicks24422417.684
Bryce Yates11202118.468
Elijah Lagg (Tr)2016408.217
Ja'Kyrian Turner2515006.028

View Pittsburgh's Full Roster

PITT's DC Randy Bates (been DC for 3 years)
Top DefTackTFLSACKSPRESSPD
Braylan Lovelace796162
Cruce Brookins531002
Demarco Ward (Tr)503010
Alex Sanford474001
SacksTackTFLSACKSPRESSPD
Jimmy Scott178481
Isaiah Neal367441
Cameron Lindsey326201
Zach Crothers153210
Pass DTackTFLSACKSPRESSPD
Shadarian Harrison290003
Josh Guerrier80003
Braylan Lovelace796162

VT's OC Ty Howle (in his first season)
Player NameCOMPATTPCTYDSTDINTYPA
Ethan Grunkemeyer (Tr)12317869%1339847.5
Que'Sean Brown (Tr)010%0000.0
Player NameCARYDSTDYPCLONG
Bill Davis (Tr)15876364.876
Marcellous Hawkins11874916.340
Jeffrey Overton Jr.2514615.838
Luke Reynolds (Tr)226013.026
Player NameRECYDSTDYPCLONG
Que'Sean Brown (Tr)63842513.469
Ayden Greene31516316.667
Marlion Jackson (Tr)20370218.552
Luke Reynolds (Tr)2625709.922

View Virginia Tech's Full Roster

VT's DC Brent Pry (in his first season)
Top DefTackTFLSACKSPRESSPD
Jaquez White (Tr)6741111
Kaleb Spencer679101
Cam Chadwick (Tr)663124
Kemari Copeland488510
SacksTackTFLSACKSPRESSPD
Kemari Copeland488510
Elhadj Fall254320
Jason Abbey172200
Jaquez White (Tr)6741111
Pass DTackTFLSACKSPRESSPD
Jaquez White (Tr)6741111
Thomas Williams321006
Isaiah Brown-Murray392005