Virginia
Josh Pate explains why he’s buying the Virginia Tech hype in 2024 & beyond
When Brent Pry was hired as the football coach at Virginia Tech, he had the task of turning around the program and bringing it back to relevance. With what he started with, it was going to be a lot easier said than done.
As the Hokies enter Year 3 of the Brent Pry-era in Blacksburg, there is a lot of hype surrounding the program as a ton of retainment from the 2023 team has them set up to be a dark horse in the ACC race in 2024. Add in some key transfers on both sides of the ball and it’s easy to see why the hype is real.
Off the field, things have been going very well in recruiting, especially with the Class of 2025. Pry knew that when he was hired, he needed to mend relationships within the state with the coaches and players to keep the talent in the Commonwealth. So far, so good with the rising senior class.
Josh Pate of 247Sports joined Kelly Gramlich and Eric Mac Lain on the Gramlich & Mac Lain podcast and said that he is buying the Virginia Tech hype and mainly because of what Pry has done that Justin Fuente and his staff failed to do during their tenure.
“I think their biggest struggle right now has been they have to reestablish what it means to recruit in the state of Virginia. When I was up there a month and a half ago, I was walking to Brent and he said, he obviously bleeds Virginia Tech. He knows that place. He said, when I was at Penn State, candidly, we knew if we wanted a kid from Virginia, we were going to get him and if we didn’t, it was going to be because Ohio State came in and got it. It wasn’t going to be because Virginia Tech put up much of a fight. (And) he said that hurt me. I was at another place and it hurt me because for whatever reason the previous staff didn’t emphasize it. He said we’ve had to do that and we also, we have a replenishing job to do.”
– Josh Pate
Currently in the Class of 2025, 10 of the 14 committed recruits are from Virginia and Pry said when he was hired that in-state recruiting was going to be a focal point of his and his staff and so far, they are having a ton of success. With each passing season, Pry and his staff are furthering themselves from the previous staff, which is not something that is not too hard to do.
NORFOLK, Va. (WAVY) – The Virginia Zoo will host its annual Bike Night on Friday, May 8, from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. in celebration of National Bike Month. This all-ages event offers guests the opportunity to explore 53 acres of the Virginia Zoo’s beautifully landscaped grounds on designated paths.
This is just one of many events planned throughout the City of Norfolk for National Bike Month.
Animal exhibit trails and the Goat Yard will remain open after-hours, until 7:30 p.m. This unique experience allows visitors to observe animal behaviors after regular operating hours.
Local vendors will also be on hand to assist with bike repairs or accessories.
Guests can meet Animal Ambassadors for a Zoo Tales story reading at the ZooLive! Stage at 6 p.m. The evening also features an energizing DJ dance party. The Zoo’s young professionals group, GenZoo, will help attendees craft decorations for their helmets. Local businesses like Slow & Steady Bikes and Goods and East Coast Bicycles will offer bike accessories. Community organizations such as Elizabeth River Trail, Visit Norfolk, Spinclusion and Bike Norfolk are also scheduled to attend.
Member tickets for Bike Night cost $8. Non-member adult tickets are $18, and non-member child tickets are $13. Children under two receive free entry, but a reserved “under two” ticket is still required.
The event is likely to sell out, so if you are interested in attending, it’s best to act fast. Tickets are on sale now and can be purchased online at virginiazoo.org/event/bike-night/.
Bike Night will take place rain or shine.
Rules and Safety
- No Electric Bicycles Permitted (Unless Hybrids with Motors Removed)
- No skateboards, roller skates, or longboards
- Helmets must be worn by all attendees under the age of 18.
- Bikes must be walked on animal trails — no riding.
Powerball, Mega Millions jackpots: What to know in case you win
Here’s what to know in case you win the Powerball or Mega Millions jackpot.
Just the FAQs, USA TODAY
The Virginia Lottery offers multiple draw games for those aiming to win big.
Here’s a look at May 3, 2026, results for each game:
Pick 3
DAY drawing at 1:59 p.m. NIGHT drawing at 11 p.m. each day.
Night: 4-2-3, FB: 0
Day: 9-4-1, FB: 4
Check Pick 3 payouts and previous drawings here.
Pick 4
DAY drawing at 1:59 p.m. NIGHT drawing at 11 p.m. each day.
Night: 1-4-3-3, FB: 1
Day: 3-0-3-5, FB: 7
Check Pick 4 payouts and previous drawings here.
Pick 5
DAY drawing at 1:59 p.m. NIGHT drawing at 11 p.m. each day.
Night: 7-7-5-7-8, FB: 3
Day: 4-1-9-5-8, FB: 1
Check Pick 5 payouts and previous drawings here.
Cash Pop
Drawing times: Coffee Break 9 a.m.; Lunch Break 12 p.m.; Rush Hour 5 p.m.; Prime Time 9 p.m.; After Hours 11:59 p.m.
Coffee Break: 05
After Hours: 09
Prime Time: 13
Rush Hour: 12
Lunch Break: 15
Check Cash Pop payouts and previous drawings here.
Cash 5
Drawing every day at 11 p.m.
03-05-09-19-44
Check Cash 5 payouts and previous drawings here.
Millionaire for Life
Drawing everyday at 11:15 p.m.
05-08-15-32-51, Bonus: 03
Check Millionaire for Life payouts and previous drawings here.
Feeling lucky? Explore the latest lottery news & results
This results page was generated automatically using information from TinBu and a template written and reviewed by a Center for Community Journalism (CCJ) editor. You can send feedback using this form.
Roanoke (Va.) North Cross School receiver Demarcus Brown tells Rivals he has flipped his commitment from Virginia to Virginia Tech.
The 6-foot-3, 190-pound Brown becomes commit No. 10 for head coach James Franklin and the Hokies in the 2027 class.
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Brown is one of the most prolific players in the state, turning 53 receptions into 1,112 yards and 14 touchdowns as a junior with over 60 tackles six interceptions and two forced fumbles when playing defense.
Future position coach Fontel Mines was the lead recruiter for Brown who had been a verbal to Virginia since December. Once Franklin and the new staff landed at Virginia Tech they quickly prioritized Brown.
Now they have him in the fold.
Rivals ranks Brown as the nation’s No. 49 receiver and No. 10 prospect overall in the state of Virginia.
This Hokies class has some dynamic playmaking ability with Brown joining fellow receiver Anthony Roberts, along with running backs Kelvin Morrison and Stanley Smart as part of the fold.
Virginia Tech is in the mix for a Top25 class this cycle. Browns adds to a haul that Rivals previously ranked No. 31.
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