While the NCAAF season has yet to officially kick off, early predictions are already rolling in. One HC under particular pressure to deliver a strong campaign is Brent Pry, the current leader of the Virginia Tech Hokies — with many believing his job could be on the line if results don’t improve.

And that’s where Gruden’s name comes into play. According to ESPN’s Peter Burns, he is the ideal candidate to potentially take over this historic program in the future.

“Virginia Tech HC Jon Gruden just seems so right for 2026,” the insider firmly stated via @PeterBurnsESPN.

When asked in the past about the possibility of returning to coaching, Gruden was clear and firm with the media: “I’m being honest with you, I do not (expletive), either,” he said. “I want to coach again. I’d die to coach in the SEC.”

Gruden’s legal battle

In a significant legal blow to the NFL, former Las Vegas Raiders coach Jon Gruden has secured a major victory in his long-running lawsuit against the league. The Nevada Supreme Court ruled 5-2 in Gruden’s favor, blocking the NFL’s attempt to force the case into private arbitration.

This decision, which deemed the league’s arbitration clause unconscionable and not applicable to Gruden as a former employee, clears the path for the lawsuit to proceed in civil court. With the case now set for a public forum, Gruden’s legal team is poised to pursue discovery, potentially bringing to light new details about who was responsible for leaking the emails that led to his resignation.

“We’re very pleased with the Nevada Supreme Court’s decision, not just for Coach Gruden but for all employees facing an employer’s unfair arbitration process,” Gruden’s attorney Adam Hosmer-Henner said in a statement. “This victory further vindicates Coach Gruden’s reputation, and it clears the way to swiftly bringing him full justice and holding the NFL accountable.”

A look back at Jon Gruden’s career

Throughout his varied career, Jon Gruden has had a unique journey in professional football. He first served as the head coach for the Oakland Raiders from 1998 to 2001 before taking over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, where he led the team to a Super Bowl XXXVII title in 2003.

After seven seasons with the Bucs, Gruden transitioned to the broadcast booth, becoming a prominent TV analyst for ESPN. In 2018, he returned to the Raiders for a second stint as head coach.

Following his time in the NFL, Gruden has taken on new roles, including a consulting position with the New Orleans Saints in 2023 and, most recently, becoming a part-owner and consultant for the Nashville Kats of the Arena Football One league.

Just days ago, the legendary heavy metal band had the honor of performing right at the home of the Hokies. Among the crowd was none other than head coach himself. Stunned by the experience, Pry shared what it meant to witness the band led by James Hetfield live, and right in his own backyard.

“Standing out on that platform, you know, watching and listening that I get chills, and it’s special,” Pry said on Sirius XM. “And, you know, I’m very thankful. The couple of guys that came up with using this song for our entrance are still here working at Virginia Tech. They were young guys. They also had an opportunity to meet the band yesterday, you know, along with myself.

“And it’s just, it’s another very cool story in, you know, in our fabric, in our history … Our guys are very, very appreciative and so very fortunate to have that type of entrance. It’s the greatest entrance in all of college football.“

He also added: “And to have that, to run out of that turtle and experience that, that’s a lifetime experience, and one that they’ll never forget. So you know, I do remind them often of how fortunate they are, and I think, you know, they appreciate it, and it’s special. No better way to kick off a football game than coming out to ‘Enter Sandman’ with 70,000 jumping, going crazy and singing. They’re singing at the top of their lungs.”

Enter Sandman: The anthem that shook Lane Stadium to its core

For the past 25 years, ‘Enter Sandman’ has quite literally become an anthem for Virginia Tech fans. Every time Brent Pry’s squad takes the field, the thousands packed into Lane Stadium erupt with emotion as the iconic song sets the stage for one of college football’s most electrifying entrances.

Capping off their tour at one of the band’s most iconic spots in the United States, frontman James Hetfield knew just how special the moment was — and he made it clear with his words: “I think we’re missing something,” the vocalist said.

And just before the opening riffs of the song rang out, he fired up the crowd with a powerful shout: ‘Let’s go, Hokies!’

What’s next for the Hokies ahead 2025 NCAAF season?

On the football side, the Hokies have an intriguing campaign ahead, as they aim to position themselves among the contenders for a spot in the National Championship Game.

The latest news reveals that quarterback Davi Belfort’s finally joined UCF through the Transfer Portal, seeking new opportunities as he looks ahead to the future.

One of the most respected voices in college football, Aaron Taylor, did not hold back in his criticism of the ACC‘s decision to overturn the call. Taylor argued that the original ruling of a touchdown should have stood, especially after such a prolonged review.

“If it takes 6 minutes to figure out what happened, it’s not definitive,” Taylor remarked. “This whole thing is not a great look for the ACC.”

The overturned call could have changed the outcome for the Hokies, who now drop to 2-3 on the season. Miami, on the other hand, remains undefeated at 5-0 overall and 1-0 in conference play. Ranked No. 7 in the nation, the Hurricanes took advantage of their home field edge.

Virginia Tech’s Tough 2024 Season

The Hokies have struggled so far in the 2024 NCAAF season. Following a Week 3 road win against Old Dominion, Virginia Tech has now dropped two consecutive games, including this close loss to Miami. Their overall record sits at 2-3, with an 0-1 mark in ACC play.

Looking ahead, Virginia Tech won’t return home until Week 7 when they face Boston College. Before that, they’ll hit the road again to take on Stanford, a team set to face Clemson on September 28.

[Watch Virginia Tech vs Florida State online free in the US on Fubo]

The Hokies began the season by winning against Old Dominion by 36-17 but after that good start they lost three consecutive games until finally breaking out of that losing streak with a victory against Pittsburgh 38-21.

The Seminoles are the second best team in the ACC and No. 5 in the nation, they are fighting for the first spot in the conference against Louisville.

When will Virginia Tech vs Florida State be played?

Virginia Tech and Florida State play for the 2023 NCAA DI Football season today, October 7 at Doak Campbell Stadium in Tallahassee. The home team is likely to crush the visitors.

Virginia Tech vs Florida State: Time by state in the US

ET: 3:30 PM
CT: 2:30 PM
MT: 1:30 PM
PT: 12:30 PM

How to watch Virginia Tech vs Florida State in the US

This game for the 2023 NCAA DI Football season, Virginia Tech and Florida State at the Doak Campbell Stadium in Tallahassee on Saturday, October 7, will be broadcast in the US by Fubo (7-day free trial) and other options to watch this game in the US is ABC.

The Hokies were plagued with injuries before the start of the regular season, but the team won three of the first four weeks. The negative results of Virginia Tech appeared in games against conference rivals, the team closed the regular season with 6-6 overall and 4-4 in the ACC Coastal Division.

Maryland Terrapins won just three games against conference rivals, the rest of the games were six losses. The last game of the regular season was a victory for Maryland against Rutgers on the road.

Virginia Tech vs Maryland: Date

Virginia Tech and Maryland play for the 2021 Pinstripe Bowl on Wednesday, December 29 at Yankee Stadium in Bronx. The Terrapins offense is scoring an average of 27.2 points per game and the Hokies are allowing just 22.9 points per game.

Virginia Tech vs Maryland: Time by state in the US

ET: 2:15 PM
CT: 1:15 PM
MT: 12:15 PM
PT: 11:15 AM

TV Channel in the US to watch Virginia Tech vs Maryland at the 2021 Pinstripe Bowl

This game for the 2021 Pinstripe Bowl, Virginia Tech and Maryland at the Yankee Stadium in Bronx on Wednesday, December 29, will be broadcast in the US exclusively by FuboTV and other options to watch this bowl game in the US are ESPN, ESPN App.