Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University Athletics

Virginia Tech competes in NCAA Division I, meaning big-time college sports with athletic scholarships and intense fan support. The Hokies field 18 varsity teams in the strong Atlantic Coast Conference. With 610 total athletes among 30,435 students, about 2% of the student body competes at the varsity level. The athletics program awards over $17.9 million in scholarships annually. Football dominates the sports culture here, with Lane Stadium creating one of the most intimidating atmospheres in college football. The Hokies are famous for their entrance tradition where the team enters to "Enter Sandman" by Metallica. Virginia Tech's biggest rival is the University of Virginia in the annual Commonwealth Cup football game. Former coach Frank Beamer built the program into a national powerhouse, and the engineering-focused student body brings the same precision to their passionate game-day support.