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September 29, 2026
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ENGINEERING EXPO RETURNS TO VIRGINIA TECH CAMPUS Sarah Pineno | News Writer
The event gives students from all majors the opportunity to network and build connections.
A vendor at the Engineering Expo talks to an interested student, Squires Student Center, Sep. 11, 2019.
The 47th annual Engineering Expo, hosted by the Student Engineers’ Council, took place from Sept. 15 to
Sept. 17. The event was held in both the Squires Student Center and Graduate Life Center, with over 250 employers
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attending the expo. These companies included employers from Dominion Energy, NAVSEA and Raytheon. This event gives opportunities to Virginia Tech engineering students and students of all majors and interests to build connections with companies and start networking. Annie Naughton, a freshman majoring in civil engineering, attended the event for the first time. “Go, even if you don’t talk to anyone, see how things work and watch how people are interacting with each other,” Naughton said. She expressed how attending the expo made finding internships and networking with companies a much higher priority for her in working towards a professional career. Through the Student Engineers’ Council, students have the opportunity to gain leadership experience by joining the executive board and its subcommittees. In this student-run organization, students hold a variety of different positions that help the engineering school run smoothly and allow them to stay involved in the process. The Virginia Tech College of Engineering receives over $350,000
in annual funding that supports a multitude of scholarships, grants and awards that help students to conduct innovative research and pursue international projects. Some of these experiences include the Engineering Organization Fund, the Lynn Nystrom Fund and the Big Contribution grant. Organizations like these assist engineering students in gaining real-world experience necessary to develop individually and professionally. The engineering school will also host other events throughout the school year, including Engineers’ Week and the sixth annual Engineers’ Ball, which are typically scheduled for late February. First-year engineering students can stay up-to-date on engineering events at Virginia Tech by subscribing to the SEC Listserv.
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September 29, 2026 PAGE 3
VIRGINIA TECH CONTINUES ITS EFFORT OF REDUCING FOOD WASTE WITH THEIR NEW COMPOSTING FACILITY Abhigna Koochana | News Writer
The university was awarded $3,530,497 to fund a composting facility. According to the USDA, about 30% to 40% of the U.S. food supply is wasted every year. Instead of food banks and nonprofits, uneaten food is sent to landfills. Additionally, food waste releases greenhouse gas emissions into the atmosphere, one of the leading causes ofclimate change. In response to this evolving problem, Virginia Tech has existing and upcoming projects to minimize food waste. Recently, the university was awarded $3,530,497 to fund the creation of a composting facility, according to the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality. The goal is to process food waste in an environmentally healthy way, advancing Virginia Tech’s
long-term goal of achieving a “zero-waste campus” by 2030. “One of the main sources of greenhouse gases can be landfills,” Gonzalo Ferreira, a professor at the School of Animal Sciences, said to Virginia Tech News. “Landfills create tightly packed anaerobic environments, and the microorganisms that grow there produce methane – one of the stronger greenhouse gases. Composting introduces air to the process, which means more CO2 production instead of methane.” Since 2009, Dining Services have been on the frontlines of making sure food waste and containers are sent to a composting facility. In addition, they no longer serve food in
non-biodegradable containers, opting for containers that can be composted across all dining centers. Dining Services also partnered with Campus Kitchen to donate unused food to food banks and donation centers across the state. The new composting facility is to be located behind Kentland Farm. Its processing capacity will be 2,700 tons per year. One of the main supplies that will be composted in the facility is manure from dairy operations. “We have a huge need in this area for a commercial composting facility right now,” Emily Williams, assistant director of sustainability for Dining and Housing, said
to Virginia Tech News. “There are around three in this region of the state, and they’re all small scale.” The compost will be redirected to various farms in the area to serve as nutrients for the soil. According to Appalachian Highland Farmers Magazine, composting instead of food going into landfills can actually reduce the university’s spending. Long term, the composting facility may also create waste management research opportunities for faculty members and students.
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THE SUPREME COURT BLOCKS TRUMP’S ATTEMPTS TO RESTRICT MAIL-IN VOTING Cleo Dobson | News Writer
The battle will continue after midterm elections Tuesday, Nov. 3. On Sept. 14, the Supreme Court upheld a preliminary injunction to block the Trump administration’s executive order 14399, Ensuring Citizenship Verification and Integrity in Federal Elections, which was designed to create new mail-in ballot restrictions. Trump has been vocal about his hatred for casting ballots by mail since 2020, when he claimed that mail-in ballots were the reason he lost the 2020 election to Joe Biden. He has expressed his belief that mail-in voting causes widespread voter fraud, going as far as calling it “mail-in cheating.” After averaging cases of fraud over the past 10 years, a study conducted by the Brookings Institution found that only 0.000043% of all mail-in ballots have been fraudulent. The Trump administration issued the executive order on March 31, 2026. It would require the Department of Homeland Security to compile a list of all voters who would be eligible to vote in upcoming elections based on various federal records and databases. These lists, known as State Citizenship Lists, would be distributed to the states, where
states could decide their permitted method for mail-in voting. However, there is no guarantee that these lists are accurate. The United States doesn’t have a centralized database of citizens, according to an article from the New York Times, and there is no standard document given to all citizens. Even members of the Trump administration admit that the list is not all-encompassing. During a hearing in August, Stephen M. Pezzi, a senior counsel at the Justice Department and lawyer for the Trump administration, was quoted saying, “A responsible state wouldn’t throw everyone who isn’t on the list off the voter roll.” However, anyone left off the State Citizenship Lists would not be eligible to vote. The states would be able to submit lists of eligible voters based on state documents, but the new additions would not be considered for the upcoming election if submitted within 60 days of the election. The executive order also put a lot of power in the hands of the United States Postal Service. The USPS was charged
with tracking and documenting every ballot, filtering which mail-in ballots are valid and investigating “suspected unlawful use of the mail involving Federal election materials.” The USPS also introduced new envelopes with barcodes designed to make each ballot easier to track. Any ballot not in the new envelopes would not be counted. On Sept. 4, League of Women Voters of Massachusetts v. Trump was heard. The case argued against the power given to the USPS and against the executive branch’s attempt to interfere with voting. The judge hearing the case in Boston issued a preliminary injunction because it found the power given to the USPS excessive and that the USPS was acting outside of its jurisdiction. This decision blocked the implementation of the executive order and brought the case to a federal level. The case went before the Supreme Court, and the court ruled 7-2 to keep the injunction and block the executive order. Conservative Justices Samuel A.
Alito Jr. and Clarence Thomas were the two who voted in favor of the executive order. The executive order was blocked and will not be enforced during midterm elections. President Trump posted about the ruling on Truth Social claiming, “Republicans just got another bad decision from the United States Supreme Court” and calling mail-in voting, “totally CORRUPT and out of control Mail-In voting ‘disaster.’” This ruling could impact Virginia Tech students because these restrictions could negatively impact students’ ability to vote. For students from out of state or who live far from home, mail-in ballots are sometimes the only way they can vote without spending time, money and effort traveling. The legal battle is expected to continue after midterm elections, Tuesday, Nov. 3.
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PAGE 4 September 29, 2026
LIFESTYLES COLLEGIATETIMES.COM
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WHERE BUSINESS MEETS TECHNOLOGY: PAMPLIN GRADUATE PROGRAM Willow Musterman | Lifestyles Staff Writer
Lifestyles staff writer Willow Musterman explores the variety of programs Pamplin College of Business has to offer. Virginia Tech is home to the Pamplin College of Business, which hosts over 1,000 graduate students annually. The programs run through Pamplin are built to help students grow in their career goals. “Graduate school helps you gain hands-on experience and specialized skills that can support and accelerate your career,” said Jennifer Riley, director of Pamplin’s Office of Graduate and Executive Education. “Pamplin’s graduate programs teach you specialized skills in areas like analytics, finance or technology, and give you a chance to learn alongside peers who bring different backgrounds and experience.” Pamplin has nine distinct graduate programs. Figuring out which path best suits one’s needs can be challenging. “Start with your goal, not the degree,” Riley said. “Ask yourself what you want to be doing in three to five years and which skills will get you there.” With business being one of Virginia
Tech’s most prominent graduate programs, Pamplin has multiple accommodating opportunities within the curriculum. Specifically, these programs allow students to be a part of the school while also being a part of the working world. “Pamplin is focused on f lexible, stackable programs for working professionals, strong industry partnerships and graduate pathways that lead to real career outcomes,” Riley said. “We recently launched the Flex MBA pathway, which lets students switch between in-person and online study each course and every semester.” This program is based in Alexandria, Va. Pamplin prioritizes not only in-classroom learning but also gaining knowledge through experience. “Hands-on experience is at the center of our programs. In the M.S. in Business Administration with a concentration in Business Analytics (MSBA-BA) program,
students spend nine months on a corporate capstone, working in teams on an analytics problem for a sponsor organization,” Riley said. While students gain a background in their future career paths, they are also given the opportunity to connect with professionals who work in their field of interest. “Students connect with employers through capstone sponsors, employer events, guest speakers and the partnerships Pamplin builds across programs,” Riley said. “We also work with Virginia Tech Career and Professional Development, so students can use the university’s career resources.” Being a graduate from Virginia Tech comes with many benefits, with the alumni network being a notable benefit. In the business world, it is well known that networking is vital; being a Hokie in and of itself is a networking strategy. “Hokie alumni are a big advantage,”
Riley said. “The network is large and loyal, and alumni are often glad to help current students.” Through networking, experience and education, the graduate program through Pamplin offers a successful gateway to future career prospects. “I hope they see that Pamplin sits where business and technology meet, and that this is where the most exciting work is happening right now,” Riley said. “Our graduate programs are built to help students drive discovery, practice solving real problems and build a strong foundation they can keep growing on.” From traditional graduate degrees to flexible MBA programs, Pamplin’s nationally ranked programs are a great option for students considering graduate school. “Whether you are starting your career, changing direction or moving into leadership, we are here to help you get ready for what’s next,” Riley said.
HISTORY OF VIRGINIA TECH’S GRADUATE LIFE CENTER Samuel Harvey | Lifestyles Assistant Editor
Standing across from Squires Student Center, the Graduate Life Center at Virginia Tech is one of the most unique buildings on campus. Its red-brick exterior, regal white columns and colonial architecture make it stand apart from the iconic Hokie Stone structures that cover most of the Blacksburg campus. With nearly 120 years of history, the GLC sports an intriguing story that helps cement its identity as one of VT’s most mesmerizing buildings. The Brown Legacy The GLC was originally built and funded in 1935 by notable Virginia Tech alumnus, Frank D. Brown. After graduating in 1902 from Virginia Agricultural and Mechanical College and Polytechnic Institute, as Virginia Tech used to be called, with a degree in electrical engineering. Brown spent time working as an explosives
Uncover the past of one of Virginia Tech’s most unique buildings.
salesman and later a treasurer before eventually becoming the vice president of finances and board member at General Motors Corp. During his time at GMC, Brown became recognized for his innovative ideas in business management. He pioneered principles such as decentralization and modernizing industrial management, which are found in many business textbooks today. Aside from his prowess as an innovative businessman, Brown is also known for the generosity and support he showed Virginia Tech throughout his life. He chaired the first Alumni Fund and gave the commencement address for the Class of 1929. Brown’s love for his alma mater culminated in 1935 when he funded the construction of what would become the
Graduate Life Center. Continuing Education Center This new building was constructed as faculty housing and a public dining place until 1953, when another purpose was envisioned. John R. Hutcheson, a former president of the university, advocated raising funds to develop an adult education center. Hutcheson’s vision became a reality as the building was remodeled for educational purposes. From that point on, it became known as the Continuing Education Center. The Final Name Change Despite Hutcheson’s intentions, the building became used predominantly as a conference center and hotel for important visitors to the university. The vision of an education center for graduate students was renewed in 2006 when the building was
renovated and renamed the Graduate Life Center. Updates to the building included a new 622-seat auditorium, a 500-capacity dining room, seven conference rooms and 141 single and double rooms for student housing. Today, the GLC is home to 115 graduate and professional students, as well as the Graduate School offices. Its enduring mission is to promote graduate education and a sense of unique community among graduate students. Brown and Hutcheson’s legacies are forever cemented in the structure and purpose of the GLC, making it a meaningful hub and symbol of higher education in Blacksburg.
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September 29, 2026 PAGE 5
HOW GTAS SHAPE THE UNDERGRADUATE EXPERIENCE
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Abby Davis | Lifestyles Staff Writer
Get to know physics graduate student Greyson Marshall as he shares his perspective on mentoring undergraduates. Coming into college, graduating after four years may seem like the end of one’s educational journey. While it may be the closing chapter for some, it’s more often the start of a new one for others. Many schools, especially Virginia Tech, offer a plethora of pathways post-graduation. With those who have opportunities for master’s degrees, many graduate students are required to teach or provide academic support to undergraduates and become Graduate Teaching Assistants. Given their experience and perspective, GTAs offer helpful insight without being too detached from the undergraduate mindset. Graduate students contribute to the Virginia Tech community in many ways, from supporting students in the classroom to conducting their own research. While most go above and beyond, it’s important to recognize those who exceed expectations and work hard to help others. Greyson Marshall, a graduate student in physics, began working long before graduate school and continues working to this day. Student spotlight Marshall’s undergraduate years were far from traditional. After being homeschooled for the majority of his education, Marshall enrolled at Piedmont Virginia Community College as an engineering major. Five years later, Marshall transferred to Virginia Tech as a mechanical engineering student. The Introduction to Modern Physics course with Leo Piilonen then led Marshall to add physics as a second major. As an undergraduate, Marshall became actively involved in helping his peers. Virginia Tech’s Learning Assistant program allowed Marshall to become an official learning assistant for a course. The role expanded to informally helping students as well, and those combined experiences led to Marshall’s current role as a graduate teaching assistant. “I’ve made myself into a role model for my students as an example of what you can come back from, and what a dedicated student can become,” Marshall said.
More than a teaching assistant GTAs are students too and have their own unique responsibilities. However, most spend much of their time assisting undergraduate students. Marshall leads weekly help sessions for five upperlevel physics courses, volunteers as an in-class GTA for mechanics, teaches a freshman laboratory section and holds office hours. Any GTA can take on the job, but the role goes beyond clarifying difficult concepts or solely assisting students with homework. Having only recently graduated, Marshall offers a relatable perspective that can make students more comfortable asking for guidance. “Being closer to the undergrads in terms of academic maturity is our primary selling point as LA’s and GTA’s,” Marshall said. “People are more comfortable coming to someone for help if they feel like they can talk to a peer.” The relationship fosters engagement and mutual understanding and allows graduate students to recognize struggles that may not always be obvious to professors. The experience benefits all parties involved. “I always feel a sense of protectiveness for people who just need a little help,” Marshall said. “I don’t want anyone else to feel as isolated or beyond reach as I have.” In large lectures or intimidating courses, students may refrain from reaching out. LAs, TAs and GTAs offer a sense of community that does not necessarily feel like a traditional classroom experience. Everyone learns differently, and having those who understand that concept is beneficial in the long run. “In my case, teaching means hanging out with friends who ask lots of questions,” Marshall said. “We can banter and commiserate, but the work always gets done.” Learning by teaching While the common hierarchy is graduate students helping undergraduates, the relationship works both ways. Marshall believes that teaching is also an important part of developing as a student, researcher and professional.
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Greyson Marshall is a graduate teaching assistant working toward obtaining higher education.
“If you want to learn something deeply, teach it to others. Over, and over, and over again,” Marshall said. The process of teaching is advantageous to both the recipient and the teacher. It allows students to ask questions and create a discussion around important topics, a viable skill at any stage in life. For Marshall, that process is especially important in science, where collaboration and communication are integral parts of the field. Finding a path forward Marshall’s path is a unique example of what post-graduation can look like, and it offers insight into how there’s no singular answer for anyone’s future. “I am in the process of planning ahead the way I wish I had years ago,” Marshall said. “Even if you are not, or just don’t feel like a prime candidate for graduate school, there is always a path forward.” Marshall also encourages students not to view graduate school as something they have to delve into immediately. “Graduate school is not something to pursue half-heartedly,” Marshall said. “If you are not sure that it is something you want to commit to, it is completely okay to work for a year after your bachelor’s, maybe a few years, and see where you are after that.” At the same time, it’s encouraged for students interested in graduate
school to begin thinking about it early. Scholarships, research experience and relationships with professors can become valuable assets when preparing for applications. Marshall also emphasizes that not one single part of someone’s undergraduate experience can close or open the door to further education. “A 4.0 is not make-or-break anywhere, period,” Marshall said, instead suggesting academic relationships and connections are just as important in pursuing graduate opportunities. From an unconventional undergraduate experience to becoming a GTA and conducting additional research, Marshall’s path demonstrates that the transition from undergraduate to graduate student does not have to follow a cookie-cutter template. For students seeking help in office hours or trying to figure out what comes after graduation, having someone nearby who has recently been in their position can make that next step feel more tractable. As for graduate students like Marshall, helping students in need is much more than another responsibility, it’s part of the journey.
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OPINIONS TO CATCH AN OSCAR: A REVIEW OF A24’S NEWEST FILM COLLEGIATETIMES.COM
Shelby Brann | Opinions Editor
Primetime replicates the feel of early 2000s reality TV with Robert Pattison as Chris Hansen from ‘To Catch a Predator.’ It was a Friday night, full of opportunity, so naturally, I found myself at the movie theater, eating contraband snacks and awaiting what I’d heard was a must-see film. The A24 “Primetime,” directed by Lance Oppenheim and starring Robert Pattinson, has taken the internet and movie world by storm recently with its quotable dialogue and often highly humorous and simultaneously disturbing scenes. As soon as I saw the trailer — sitting in on a screening of “Coyote vs. Acme” about a month ago — I knew that I would have to see it. Robert Pattinson in his flattest American accent yet, plus Skyler Gisondo? Sign me up! The movie centers on a slightly fictionalized version of Chris Hansen, a real-life journalist and investigator who led and starred in the NBC Dateline program “To Catch a Predator,” which aired from 2004-2007. The show’s premise was both fairly simple and extremely captivating for its time and modern day; essentially, investigators for the show would trick online predators into coming to locations to meet up with who they thought were underage teenagers. They’d be greeted by a “decoy” — an actor pretending to be the young teenager from the online conversation — before being shocked with a startling well-spoken, mild-mannered man in a full suit, telling them calmly to “have a seat right there” and confronting them on their predatory behavior. The show was wildly popular, albeit controversial for its methods of sting operations, and at times, was often criticized as public humiliation for the suspects of predatory behavior. The show itself ended on an extremely dark note after one suspect, a district attorney in a Texas town, committed suicide after being caught exchanging sexually inappropriate messages with an undercover “To Catch a Predator” investigator online. Instead of luring the suspect into a location with a decoy, the local police and crew of “To Catch a
Predator” went directly to the suspect’s house, where he refused to answer the door and committed the act. The show was almost immediately shut down thereafter, following a massive lawsuit. Hansen has maintained that the reason the show ended was not because of the death, but simply because the show had come to a natural end. By the time the show ended, I was just barely gaining consciousness. And yet, when I first saw the trailer, waiting anxiously for an anvil to fall on a canine creature’s head, I felt overtaken by a sense of familiarity. The movie did the same; it created a somewhat nostalgic, somewhat disturbing reminder of the grit and truth of 2000s television — the blue haze and unfiltered dialogue and all. “Primetime” more than successfully captures the unease and fascination that came along with “To Catch a Predator” — watching it, one is almost entrapped by the premise, eager to see what happens next … at the same time, there’s a slight nausea that tinges the viewer’s experience, from the horrific acts of the suspects caught by the show and the deeply unsettling process of the show itself. Multiple times throughout the movie, I caught myself wondering, “How exactly was this allowed to be aired?” I found myself thinking about due process of law, about innocent until proven guilty, and, indeed, about Hansen, and what his motivations for the show really were … justice or ratings? Obviously, this is the very question that the movie was asking its watchers to consider. Pattinson’s performance — a startlingly accurate and amazingly gripping representation of Hansen — forces the audience to look with wide-open eyes at the events of “To Catch a Predator.” Although the question of morality in the movie is never quite answered, it leaves more than a sour taste in the viewer’s mouth, and plenty to think over regarding the show, its legacy and ending.
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Apart from the psychological turmoil I experienced during the film, and I suspect the chaos was the main intention, the plot itself was, in turn, gripping, horrifying and deeply engaging. I was never once bored, which is all a movie-lover can ask for. Pattinson’s acting, as stated, was legendary and surely Oscar-bait. However, I wasn’t expecting the stellar performances of co-stars Merritt Wever and Gisondo. Wever played a fantastic role as Hansen’s high-strung, underappreciated producer, whereas Gisondo acted as one of the show’s main decoys. Gisondo, in particular, had me awestruck. My heart broke several times watching his character, nicknamed “Decoy Dan,” grapple with his role in the show and his own experience being so adjacent to these suspected predators who oftentimes wished him harm. I believe this role will be a game-changer for him, and it will open up new doors for
his talent to be seen in a different light as deserved. As a whole, the movie was, in a word, disturbing. It was also deeply fascinating and more than entertaining. It’s easy to forget you’re not actually watching the real show. In many ways, the movie is questioning the ethics of the show — and at the same time, proving that its audience is no better than “To Catch a Predator’s” viewership, saying repeatedly, “Well, you’re still watching, aren’t you?” It will be beyond interesting to see how this film fares with awards and how the conversation around the ethics of the show grows.
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September 29, 2026 PAGE 7
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‘HEY MICHAEL’ AND THE LOST ART OF COACHING PERSONALITY Lily Check | Opinions Contributor The ‘Hey Michael’ situation is a symptom of a larger problem in sports journalism.
“Hey Michael!” “What do you remember about —” “Hey Michael!” One news outlet referred to James Franklin’s widely circulated press conference moment as “bizarre,” when the Hokies football head coach repeatedly interrupted a reporter and refused to answer until he received acknowledgement. Fox News called it “extremely awkward,” as Maryland football even poked fun with a “Hey Michael” themed video board when it hosted the Hokies on Sept. 17. With the amount of news coverage this attemptatconversationreceived,you’dthink we live in a world of transactional communication. Questions are asked, answers are given and there’s no human connection beyond that exchange of dialogue. But we don’t live in that world. Society is powered by genuine interaction, and fans and professionals often forget that sports media is no different. Sure, the “Hey Michael” clip was bound to go viral because of its pure hilarity, but it outlines the broader complexities of newsroom etiquette and how the conversationalnatureof reporting is dwindling.Some sports media interactions have become nothing short of routine exchanges, with conversations rarely extending beyond the simple question and answer; however, as we see with Franklin and Michael, some coaches just want to converse naturally.
And, just like the rest of us, coaches are real people with unique personalities, and their freedom to express them should be welcomed. For instance, the late Mike Leach, who coached football at Texas Tech, Washington StateandMississippiState,wasfamousforhis unfiltered and humorous press conferences, often discussing topics relating little to football. One time, he even told journalists he hated the press conference room, confessed to not understanding the quarterback efficiency rating and openly admitted his love for his pet raccoon. When he died in 2022, colleagues and players mourned his loss with an outcry of support. “Everyone has their story to tell about Coach Leach,” University of Southern California head coach Lincoln Riley said. “Some funny and on the field, some probably not on the field.” Leach was uniquely hilarious, but he certainly won’t be the last coach to instill a comedic legacy within their program. Gregg Popovich’s biting sarcasm, Mike Gundy’s prolonged rants and, recently, Sean McVay’s degrading self-insults prove the world of sport is no stranger to larger-than-life personalities. So, what sparked the overwhelming, and quite sudden, fixation with Franklin’s “Hey Michael?” Leach and other coaches have long shared tiny glimpses of their personalities to
appear more relatable and more down-toearth.WhyisFranklinbeingheldtoadifferent standard, and what makes this uproar of criticism truly justified? The fact is that the media has significantly magnified this situation, blowing it out of proportion entirely. It’s an eye-catching headline for a day or two, but if posts and articles are continuing to be published nearly two weeks after the initial press conference, it’s time to shift focus to a more meaningful narrative. It’s one thing to chat about this with a friend, but continuous, constant national coverage is another, and I don’t believe that Franklin deserves this amount of scrutiny. While it’s nearly impossible to pinpoint the exact cause of the current “Hey Michael” obsession, I suspect it’s due to the spotlight that Franklin, and Virginia Tech Football as a whole, is already under. As a new hire with a national recruiting reputation and experience in developing playoff-caliber teams, Franklin has already accumulated massive expectations from the media and Tech fans alike. Anything he comments on publicly is highly exaggerated and microanalyzed, and it’s especially unfair. Even more so, I find it difficult to accept that a 10-second video clip provides full insight into Franklin’s character, and further, the program culture he’s aiming to re-establish. It’s very little evidence to fabricate an accurate portrayal of the new head coach,
especially if it was simply an attempt to converse. Looking at his recruiting overhaul, the fact he hired former head coach Brent Pry and his genuine impact on the family of Ravens linebacker Dominic DeLuca, other evidence tells a different story. Personally, I think it’s good that a coach as prominent as Franklin wants to be personable with the press, as that willingness to engage automatically translates to the team culture and his personal interactions with players. If a coach brings enthusiasm and energy, then it’s expected to be reciprocated, which I believe Franklin is reinstituting. The truth of the matter is personality and authenticity within coaching staffs need to be normalized again. Coaches shouldn’t have to conform to an increasingly rigid media landscape where every word is dissected in pursuit of a sought-after narrative. The obsession over “Hey Michael” is only one case study in this growing culture of overanalysis, and at some point, we must start taking things a little less seriously.
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SPORTS
HOKIES RULE OVER ROYALS 3-0 Jake Robertson | Sports Staff Writer
It wasn’t clean as far as shutouts go, but Virginia Tech dominated Queens College regardless. Coming off back-to-back ACC wins against Wake Forest and Duke, Virginia Tech looked to parlay their winning ways against Queens College. The Hokies successfully fended off the Royals Tuesday, winning three goals to nil. However, it wasn’t the cleanest shutout. Following fluid ball movement and retained possession for the first six minutes, disaster nearly struck. In the 7th minute, a mix-up in Tech’s box nearly cost Queens a goal, but goalkeeper Diego Dauzier was able to recover. The Hokies quickly bounced back in the 9th minute, as senior captain Noe Uwimana
was awarded a shot from the penalty spot. Uwimana buried his first-ever collegiate penalty kick into the top of the net. From that point on, the Hokies controlled the tempo, piling up 13 shots in the first half compared to Queens’ two. A free kick attempt in the 38th minute followed by a dangerous run in the 44th minute from midfielder Alex Perez helped keep the pressure on the Royals. The Hokies held a 1-0 lead at the half. Then, they came out of the break with opportunities galore, being awarded three consecutive corner kicks between the 47th
and 48th minutes. Two of these set pieces allowed Alex Perez to get good looks, but no goal came. Queens had minimal offense to speak of throughout the first half. However, that changed in the 52nd minute as the Royals developed multiple counter-attacking spells that put the Hokies on their heels. Following the run of attacks, the match stalled with minimal meaningful action from either team. That changed in the 79th minute when Hokies freshman midfielder Mehdi Kettani ripped a shot from 10 yards outside the penalty box into the top corner,
putting his team up 2-0. Kettani ripped the jersey from his back and sprinted towards the corner as the lights dimmed on Thompson Field. Following the Hokies’ 70-minute scoring drought, they needed just one shot and seven more minutes to find the net again. In the 86th minute, freshman midfielder Luke Hamel delivered a low-driven shot from five yards outside the box into the back of the net to put the match away. The Hokies finished with 18 shots to Queens’ 10, while Royals keeper continued on page 8
PAGE 8 September 29, 2026
continued from page 7 Matthew Bademian only had to make three saves compared to Dauzier’s six.
editor@collegiatetimes.com
COLLEGIATETIMES.COM While the Hokies were able to skirt past the Royalswithrelativeease,theirnextopponent
won’t allow them to get away with missed opportunities. No. 3 SMU visits Blacksburg
next on Sept. 27 at 4 p.m. ET.
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HOKIES SURVIVE BOSTON COLLEGE AND NOR’EASTER WITH 21-14 WIN Alex Winn | Sports Editor
Facing its first bout of adversity in the James Franklin era, Virginia Tech triumphed over Boston College. Nearing the end of an offensive struggle brought upon by a nor’easter in Chestnut Hill, the Hokies manufactured the most important play of Saturday’s contest: a game-winning 76-yard touchdown by running back Jeffrey Overton Jr. with less than five minutes on the clock. “(Overton)’s got the ability to make guys miss, and then what I didn’t know is, does he have the ability to take it the distance?” said Virginia Tech head coach James Franklin. Up until Overton’s home-run rush, the Hokies’ offense was allergic to the big play. Their longest play before that was a 17-yard rush, also by Overton. “You got to give the offensive line a ton of credit,” Franklin said. “(Overton)’s name is gonna be obviously up on the marquee, but it’s really about the offensive line and those guys grinding it out.” The weather acted as another defender all day, with a torrential downpour and winds reaching 39 mph. For Boston College (2-2, 0-1 ACC), offense came almost exclusively through quarterback Mason McKenzie. The Division II Saginaw Valley State transfer filled the stat sheet, throwing for 111 yards while leading the team with 138 rushing yards on 23 carries, plus both of the Eagles’ touchdowns. Harsh weather and stout defense dictated the first half, creating a slog of a game. Each team punted the ball five times and turned the ball over on downs. The offenses combined for 234 yards. The longest play of the half was a 24-yard McKenzie dart to receiver Jaden Skeete on a drive that ended with a — you guessed it — punt. The lone score of the first half came in its final seconds, a 45-yard field goal by kicker John Love that pierced through the downpour and into the uprights to give Virginia Tech a 3-0 lead. Que’Sean Brown continued to be a
difference-maker for the Hokies (4-0, 1-0) on special teams. The Duke transfer fired off a 50-yard return to start the second half, putting Tech at Boston College’s 15-yard line. “(Brown)’s been big and I know he will finish some of those returns,” Franklin said. The Hokies’ offense stalled in three plays, so Love drilled a 22-yard field goal to put them up 6-0. The third quarter was the start of McKenzie’s takeover; he amassed all of the Eagles’ yards and a touchdown — a five-yard rush that gave Boston College a 7-6 lead. The score was set up by a 45-yard McKenzie rush that Hokies’ defensive back Tyson Flowers saved from being a touchdown. Virginia Tech faced true adversity for the first time all season, trailing for the first time under Franklin. McKenzie’s speed was a threat all game; he consistently torched the Hokies’ defense and scrambled for big gains. He put the Eagles’ offense on his back in the second half, tallying 75 of his 138 rushing yards and both his scores. “Everyone that plays (McKenzie) says he’s faster than you think,” Franklin said. The Eagles ended the third quarter with a one-point lead and drove the ball to start the fourth. The drive was capped by the junior’s second touchdown to put Boston College up 14-6. McKenzie found success throwing on that drive, tossing 45 of his 111 passing yards, including a 20-yard missile to wideout Dawson Pugh in front of the goal line. On the other side of the quarterback duel, Hokies quarterback Ethan Grunkeyemer had his weakest performance of the season, albeit under a nor’easter. He completed 22 of his 35 passes for 147 yards and a touchdown. Facing an eight-point def icit, their biggest of the year, the Hokies had just over 11 minutes to recover. The offense quickly picked up 32 yards, gained steady yardage and then
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capitalized on a costly Boston College penalty on fourth-and-2. The Hokies continued to drive until Grunkemeyer found receiver Marlion Jackson in the end zone on a fade route. Overton struck paydirt for the two-point conversion to knot the game at 14. “I’ve been talking about (Jackson) since he arrived in terms of he’s got a unique skill set and movement patterns for a guy his size,” Franklin said. “Today I thought he caught the ball with confidence, with his hands, in wet conditions and made some huge plays for us.” Now the burden fell on the defense to do something they’d struggled to do all game: stop McKenzie. Tech found its solution: force McKenzie to throw. It was successful; The Hokies forced a punt with an opportunity to win the game. On the first play of the drive, Overton found a gap on the near sideline and was off to the races. When he crossed the goal line 76 yards later — plus a Love extra point — Tech led 21-14. The Hokies forced one final punt and picked up a pair of
first downs via Overton runs and before the clock hit zero. The sophomore running back had the best game of his collegiate career in the win, tallying 228 total yards — 209 of which came on the ground — and one touchdown. “There’s part of me that’s gonna say this wasn’t the prettiest win, but there’s part of me that says it was as pretty as it gets,” Franklin said. As the saying goes: a win is a win, especially to start ACC play. The Hokies return to Blacksburg for their biggest game of the Franklin era next, a bout with 4-0 Pitt. Both teams will be playing on short rest, with the game being Friday at 7 p.m. ET on ACCN. Someone’s “0” in the loss column has got to go.
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