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California Golden Bears vs Virginia Tech Hokies Preview
The California Golden Bears travel east to face the Virginia Tech Hokies in a pivotal ACC matchup under the lights at Lane Stadium in Blacksburg, Virginia, on Friday, October 24, 2025, at 7:30 PM ET. The game will air live on ESPN, marking the teams’ first meeting since the 2003 Insight Bowl — when Aaron Rodgers led Cal to a 52–49 thriller.
This one has high stakes: Cal is chasing bowl eligibility and remains in the thick of the ACC title race, while Virginia Tech is fighting to salvage a tough season and play spoiler at home.
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Line Movement and Odds
Oddsmakers opened Virginia Tech as -4.5 favorites, with early sharp money backing the underdog. The current consensus line shows tightening toward a field goal.
Current Odds:
- California Moneyline: +166
- Virginia Tech Moneyline: -200
- Spread: Cal +4.5 (-110) / VT -4.5 (-111)
- Total: Over/Under 50.5 (Over -108 / Under -113)
The total has seen slight downward movement, signaling confidence in both defenses to keep this one tight.
Game Outlook
Cal Can
The Golden Bears (5-2, 2-1 ACC) are playing with belief — and for good reason. A 21–18 win over North Carolina showed their defensive grit and improving execution under true freshman quarterback Jaron-Keawe Sagapolutele.
Sagapolutele has been sharp beyond his years, throwing for 1,696 yards (4th in the ACC) and 10 touchdowns, including clutch plays in a 28–24 road win at Boston College earlier this season. His top target, Jacob De Jesus, ranks among the conference’s best with 46 receptions, giving Cal a reliable chain-mover against pressure defenses.
Cal’s defense is also trending up — forcing three fumbles against UNC and ranking 6th nationally in interceptions (5). Their secondary has been physical and opportunistic, a critical asset against a Hokies offense that’s struggled with consistency.
If Cal’s front seven can contain Kyron Drones on the ground and Sagapolutele keeps his composure under the lights, the Bears have the tools to steal another road win.
| California Golden Bears Injury Report | Status | Injury |
|---|---|---|
| Mayze Bryant (DB) | Questionable | Undisclosed |
| Nate Burrell (DL) | Questionable | Undisclosed |
| Curlee Thomas IV (LB) | Questionable | Undisclosed |
| Lamar Robinson (OL) | Questionable | Undisclosed |
| Ryan McCulloch (LB) | Questionable | Undisclosed |
| Ben Marshall (TE) | Questionable | Undisclosed |
| Brandon High Jr. (RB) | Questionable | Undisclosed |
| Serigne Tounkara (LB) | Questionable | Undisclosed |
| Isaiah Crosby (DB) | Questionable | Undisclosed |
| Jayden Parker (RB) | Questionable | Undisclosed |
| Sam Bjerke (OL) | Questionable | Undisclosed |
| Jojo Genova (OL) | Questionable | Undisclosed |
Virginia Tech
The Hokies (2-5, 1-2 ACC) need to rediscover rhythm after back-to-back losses, most recently a 35–20 defeat at Georgia Tech. Despite the record, their offense has life. Quarterback Kyron Drones has been effective in dual-threat duty — throwing for 1,397 yards, 11 TDs, and adding 83 rushing yards and a touchdown in his last game.
Virginia Tech ranks 58th in rushing offense and 39th in first downs, showing an ability to sustain drives when their offensive line holds up. The key will be keeping Drones upright against a Cal front that thrives on creating turnovers.
Home field at Lane Stadium provides an emotional lift — especially for a team that crushed Wofford 38–6 earlier this year in its lone home win. If the Hokies can establish early ground control and limit Sagapolutele’s deep attempts, they can lean on crowd momentum to grind out a win.
| Virginia Tech Hokies Injury Report | Status | Injury |
|---|---|---|
| James Jennette (DL) | Questionable | Undisclosed |
| Caleb Brown (CB) | Questionable | Undisclosed |
| Montavious Cunningham (OL) | Out | Undisclosed |
| Jaden Keller (LB) | Questionable | Undisclosed |
| Brody Meadows (OL) | Questionable | Undisclosed |
| Harrison Saint Germain (TE) | Questionable | Undisclosed |
| Cameron Seldon (WR) | Questionable | Undisclosed |
| Brody Jones (LB) | Questionable | Undisclosed |
| Grant Karczewski (DL) | Questionable | Undisclosed |
| Gabe Williams (LB) | Questionable | Undisclosed |
| Quentin Reddish (S) | Questionable | Undisclosed |
| Chanz Wiggins (WR) | Questionable | Undisclosed |
Betting Trends
- California SU as Favorite: 19–4 (82.6%) last 23 games
- California ATS as Underdog: 18–11 (62.1%) last 29 games
- Cal SU after Loss: 5–0 (100%) last 5 games
- Virginia Tech O/U as Favorite: 14–4 (77.8%) last 18 games
- VT O/U all Games: 17–10 (63.0%) last 27 games
- VT O/U after Win: 9–4 (69.2%) last 13 games
Prediction and Analysis
Both teams enter with something to prove — Cal chasing ACC legitimacy, and Virginia Tech searching for signs of progress in year two under Brent Pry. The difference could come down to quarterback play and turnover margin, where Cal has been sharper.
Sagapolutele’s poise and the Bears’ ability to generate takeaways tilt the balance slightly toward the visitors. Virginia Tech’s defense can keep it close, but their lack of explosive plays limits comeback potential.
- Projected Score: California 24, Virginia Tech 21
- Best Bet: California +4.5 (-110)
- Over/Under Lean: Under 50.5 (-113)
- Player Prop: Jaron-Keawe Sagapolutele Over 1.5 Passing TDs
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Betting Insight
If you’re following the college football betting markets, this matchup offers clear value on the underdog. Check out our latest college football picks for more ACC matchups.
For up-to-date odds and expert wagering strategy, visit the college football betting guide, or compare all available betting lines across teams on the college football odds page.
And to track which experts are hitting the most consistent results this week, view the Handicapper Leaderboard — updated daily with verified performance stats.
