Following their win last Friday against UNC, the California Golden Bears (5-2) will travel across the country to take on the Virginia Tech Hokies (2-5). Before the season started, this game felt like it would be much bigger than it currently feels like right now. The Hokies have struggled immensely this season after many thought they might be a sleeper in the ACC. Still, this should be an exciting matchup, and one any Cal fan would want to attend. Virginia Tech has one of the best introductions in all of college football, and their fans are going to show up, win or lose. With that in mind, let’s dig into this Cal vs. Virginia Tech 2025 game preview.
California Golden Bears vs. Virginia Tech Hokies: Matchup History
The first and only time these two teams have played one another dates all the way back to 2003 in the Insight Bowl. It was a high-scoring affair with both teams throwing knockout punches. Ultimately, Aaron Rodgers and company came out on top in a very exciting game. It seems strange that these two schools have only played each other once. Depending on conference realignment, this could shape up to be a fun matchup for years to come.
Cal vs. Virginia Tech 2025 Preview: Keys, Players, and Predictions
Key Players for Cal
With the loss of several key players on defense, Cal has to find a way to make things easier for themselves on that side of the ball. One way they can do that? Cause havoc up front. One player in particular who can do that is Aidan Keanaaina.
The redshirt senior came into this season with big expectations on defense. Yet while he has 24 total tackles, he hasn’t really done much outside of that on the season. Obviously, his job is not necessarily to rack up sacks, but it does feel a little concerning. Hopefully, Keanaaina and the rest of the big boys up front can clog the lanes and generate pressure up the middle.
Every week it feels like Jacob De Jesus is going to break off a return for a touchdown. He’s come close on a few separate occasions, but each week feels like it’s going to happen. Not only is he an electric returner, but De Jesus can do it all. He’s certainly been a welcome sight for an offense that has struggled to generate big plays.
On the season, the wide receiver has 47 catches for 406 yards and three touchdowns. Cal tries to get him the ball a lot in short-yardage situations, and that will likely continue throughout the season. Expect him to continue playing well as a wide receiver, but be prepared to see him break one on a punt or kickoff return against the Hokies.
Key Players for Virginia Tech
Virginia Tech has been bad on offense all season. However, they do have some good players to take account for. Running back Marcellous Hawkins has yet to have a huge game, but in the Hokies’ last game against Georgia Tech, you could see him start to gain confidence. Hawkins finished the game with nine carries for 82 yards. While he may not be their best running back, they are giving him the ball a lot more. With Cal struggling on the defensive line right now, the Hokies should be attacking the line of scrimmage.
Another player on the offensive side of the ball who poses as a major threat is wide receiver Ayden Greene. This season, Greene has caught 21 passes for 331 yards and one touchdown. He usually grabs anywhere from 2-4 passes a game, but one of them typically goes for a big gain. The Hokies are desperate, and now that their season is practically over, they might take more chances downfield. If they do, Greene is the guy they’re going to target. This will be a big task for Hezekiah Masses and the rest of the secondary.
2025 Game Preview: How Cal Can Win this Game
This is the best start record-wise for Cal under head coach Justin Wilcox. It certainly hasn’t looked pretty, but a win is a win, and Cal will take them any way they can. That being said, they absolutely cannot overlook this Virginia Tech team. The Hokies are bad, but that home environment is one of the toughest places to play in the country. Their fans are awesome, and “Enter Sandman” is one of the best introductions in all of sports. The Golden Bears should be able to win this game, but something says it’s going to be too close for comfort. With a win, the Bears will be bowl eligible before Halloween, something that hasn’t been done in a very long time.
Cal vs. Virginia Tech Prediction: Cal 21, Virginia Tech 18
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Cody Henderson
I root for teams that only let me down. Talking all things Las Vegas Raiders and Cal Bears football. Follow me on X where I post my dramatic takes.