Sure, this isn’t a top ten matchup, but this game will be significant for the California Golden Bears, who are sitting at 5-2 (2-1 ACC) this season in a highly competitive conference that currently sits wide open.
Virginia Tech is coming off back-to-back losses against Wake Forest and No. 7-ranked Georgia Tech, but will attempt to recover at home against a young Golden Bears team.
Our in-depth California vs. Virginia Tech prediction provides comprehensive coverage of this upcoming matchup, featuring exclusive PFSN player grades that detail the critical elements of each team.
- Date: Friday, Oct. 24, 2025
- Game time: 4:30 p.m. ET
- Location: Lane Stadium | Blacksburg, VA
- Predicted weather at kick: 60 degrees, partial wind
- How to watch: ESPN
Golden Bears vs. Hokies Head-to-Head Record
The history between the two schools has been relatively short and sweet if you are a Golden Bears fan. Cal has a 1-0 record against the Hokies, with the two teams meeting for the first and only time back in 2003.
During this matchup, Cal defeated VT by a score of 52-49, thanks to Aaron Rodgers’s 394 yards and two-touchdown outing.
California vs. Virginia Tech Name Grades
PFSN College OFFi
- California Golden Bears (73.7, C)
- Virginia Tech (79.3, C+)
PFSN College DEFi
- California Golden Bears (78.2, C+)
- Virginia Tech (70.7, C-)
PFSN College OLi
- California Golden Bears (65.1, D)
- Virginia Tech (73.2, C)
PFSN College QBi
- Jaron-Keawe Sagapolutele, California (73.8, C)
- Kyron Drones, Virginia Tech (79.7, C+)
PFSN College RBi
- Kendrick Raphael, California (76, C)
- Marcellous Hawkins, Virginia Tech (77.9, C+)
PFSN College WRi
- Jacob De Jesus, California (75.2, C)
- Ayden Greene, Virginia Tech (73.8, C)
PFSN College TEi
- Jeffrey Johnson, California (77, C+)
- Ja’Ricious, Virginia Tech (73.8, C)
PFSN College EDGEi
- Ryan McCulloch, California (75.6, C)
- Ben Bell, Virginia Tech (79.2, C+
PFSN College DTi
- T.J. Bollers, California (78.7, C+)
- Kemari Copeland, Virginia Tech (80.9, B-)
PFSN College LBi
- Luke Ferrelli, California (71.8, C-)
- Noah Chambers, Virginia Tech (74.6, C)
PFSN College CBi
- Hezekiah Masses, California (93.4, A)
- Isaiah Brown-Murray, Virginia Tech (81.7, B-)
PFSN College SAFi
- Isaiah Crosby, California (82.1, B-)
- Tyson Flowers, Virginia Tech (76.8, C)
California vs. Virginia Tech Prediction
These two ACC teams will both be ready to do battle Friday evening, with the talented duo of Jaron-Keawe Sagapolutele and Jacob De Jesus being put to the test against a hungry Virginia Tech defense.
Following two losses, the Hokies need to keep the air attack of the Golden Bears to a minimum if they want a chance at winning. VT will likely look for junior cornerback Isaiah Brown-Murray to help contain De Jesus, although Cal’s QB Jaron-Keawe Sagapolutele has no problem spreading the ball to his other weapons.
The Hokies currently give up 29.3 points and 373 yards per game to opposing offenses. On the flip side, the Golden Bears are only giving up three scores per contest, which ranks top 50 in the nation per FBS rankings.
Kyron Drones and the Virginia Tech offense have their work cut out for them against a talented California secondary led by defensive backs Isaiah Crosby and Hezekiah Masses. The Hokies’ quarterback has already thrown for five interceptions this season. If the Golden Bears can also force Drones to turn the ball over, it could ignite a spark for the entire team.
Prediction: California Golden Bears 30, Virginia Tech Hokies 21