During the Virginia Tech football team’s dominant victories, offensive statistics often took a back seat. However, in tight, one-score losses, those numbers became much more significant. Quarterback Kyron Drones opened the season as the starter for the first eight games but was sidelined after sustaining an injury against Georgia Tech. He would start only once after October, forcing the Hokies to lean on UCLA transfer Collin Schlee and freshman Pop Watson down the stretch.
Despite the setbacks, Virginia Tech managed to reach bowl eligibility with a 6-6 record. The biggest boost came in December when head coach Brent Pry confirmed that both Drones and Watson would return for the 2025 season. That announcement was crucial, especially considering the team’s losses at the skill positions and the complete turnover of the offensive line. The offense will need time to jell under new offensive coordinator Philip Montgomery, and there are three areas, in particular, where the Hokies must improve if they want to take a step forward in 2025:
1. Third-Down Conversion Rate: 36%
While defensive coaches stress the importance of getting off the field on third down, it’s just as critical for the offense to stay on the field. Virginia Tech struggled in this department last season, converting only 36% of its third-down attempts. That number must increase if the team hopes to sustain drives and control games.
This statistic is especially disappointing given the talent on offense last year, including standout running back Bhayshul Tuten and a group of dynamic wide receivers. While poor play-calling may have contributed, the team’s overall inability to convert in clutch moments on third down often put them at a disadvantage.
Montgomery’s challenge as the new play-caller will be to significantly boost third-down efficiency. It might seem like a tall order given the roster turnover, but it’s not out of reach. Improvement in this area could be a turning point in whether the 2025 Hokies surpass their 2024 performance.
2. Completion Percentage: 59%
Despite having a talented group of receivers last year, the Hokies’ quarterbacks combined for a modest 59% completion rate. It’s a figure that could—and should—have been higher given the team’s pass-catching talent. As Kyron Drones enters what would be his third year of starting experience (assuming he’s fully recovered from a medical procedure), this is a pivotal year for the Baylor transfer.
Both Drones and Watson bring dual-threat capability, making them dangerous on the ground as well as through the air. However, with fresh receiving options—including promising Tennessee transfer Cameron Seldon and a solid group of veteran tight ends—the offense is expected to rely more on the passing game.
Under Montgomery’s guidance, passing efficiency will be vital. Increased accuracy and decision-making from both quarterbacks could raise the completion percentage and improve the team’s ability to move the ball consistently.
3. Red Zone Efficiency: Ranked 97th Nationally
Although Virginia Tech averaged nearly 30 points per game last season—matching Boston College in the ACC—the offense faltered too often inside the red zone. In fact, the Hokies ranked just 97th nationally in red zone efficiency, a troubling stat that reflects too many stalled drives ending in field goals or no points at all.
With the defense losing several key contributors to the NFL and transfer portal, it’s likely the Hokies will need to rely on their offense even more in 2025. That makes maximizing scoring opportunities in the red zone absolutely essential. Missed chances—like those that cost them against Miami—must become a thing of the past if Virginia Tech wants to stay competitive.
Fortunately, with experienced quarterbacks returning, there’s potential for improvement. But with a reshuffled offensive line and new targets on the field, executing inside the 20-yard line will require greater precision, smarter play design, and unwavering confidence from the quarterback position.
Looking Ahead
With continuity at quarterback and new leadership on offense, Virginia Tech has the framework for improvement in 2025. However, these three statistical categories—third-down conversions, completion percentage, and red zone efficiency—are not just areas to monitor; they are pivotal metrics that will define the success of the Hokies’ upcoming campaign.
The offense doesn’t need to be perfect, but if the Hokies hope to climb the ACC standings and make more noise in postseason play, they’ll need to be far more efficient and consistent when it matters most.
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