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BLACKSBURG, Va. (AP) — It’s been a frustrating start to the 2025 season for the Wofford Terriers, who are still searching for that elusive first win. This Saturday, the Terriers hit the road for a tough trip to Lane Stadium to take on Virginia Tech, a program going through its own growing pains.
Tough Early Season Tests for Wofford
Wofford’s 0–3 record doesn’t tell the full story. The Terriers have been in every game so far, losing by a combined 10 points in three nail-biters. After dropping a heartbreaker 16–15 at South Carolina State in the opener, Wofford battled Richmond to a defensive slugfest in Week 2 before coming up short 14–10. Then last weekend, they fell 22–21 to Mercer at home — another one-point loss that stings deep.
Third-year head coach Shawn Watson has a young and hungry team. With just 10 returning starters from last season, there are still plenty of growing pains, but you see flashes of potential every time Wofford takes the field.
Finding Their Groove on Offense
On offense, the spotlight’s been on junior running back Ihson Jackson-Anderson, a transfer from Eastern Michigan who’s brought a tough, physical presence to the backfield. Sophomore receiver Isaiah Scott has been a steady weapon — a guy Watson and his staff trust to make plays when it counts.
Quarterback duties have been split between Jayden Whitaker and Ethan Drum. Both have had their moments but consistency is something the Terriers still need to develop, especially against a defense like Virginia Tech’s.
Defense Keeps Wofford in the Fight
If there’s one thing keeping Wofford competitive, it’s the defense. Veterans like safety Maximus Pulley and defensive lineman Marion Smokes have anchored the unit. And don’t overlook safety C.J. Coombes, who’s quietly been one of the team’s best tacklers and playmakers. The Terriers have held opponents to 52 points total so far — impressive considering the offense’s struggles.
Hokies in Turmoil but Still a Big Challenge
Virginia Tech, sitting at 0–3, is far from the powerhouse they want to be. After a 45–26 loss to Old Dominion, the Hokies fired head coach Brent Pry, handing the reins over to offensive coordinator Philip Montgomery on an interim basis.
The Hokies’ offense has had its share of struggles with turnovers and inconsistency, but they still pose a significant challenge with weapons like graduate transfer running back Terion Stewart and dynamic receiver Ayden Greene.
What Wofford Needs to Do
This is the first-ever meeting between the Terriers and the Hokies, and it won’t be an easy one. For Wofford to stay competitive, the key will be ball control and limiting turnovers. The defense will have to contain Greene and Stewart to keep Virginia Tech’s offense off the board.
And at quarterback, Whitaker and Drum need to find their rhythm quickly against a defense that can pressure and force mistakes.
The Road Ahead
Wofford is the underdog, no doubt. But with Virginia Tech in the middle of a coaching shakeup and early struggles, there’s an opportunity here. If the Terriers can keep it close late, it could be just the boost this young team needs.
Kickoff is set for 12:30 p.m. Saturday at Lane Stadium in Blacksburg. Expect a gritty, hard-fought game from the Terriers looking to finally break through.
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