Virginia Tech vs Clemson head-to-head: position-by-position star ratings, experience, and composite grades on CFB Matchup. They meet Week 8, Saturday, October 24, 2026.
The Breakdown
#23 Clemson's 68 composite tops Virginia Tech's 60; the Tigers' 4.0★ defensive front seven headlines the gap.
When Virginia Tech has the ball: Marcellous Hawkins, 2★, runs at Clemson's 4.0★ linebackers led by 5★ Sammy Brown — brutal mismatch.
When Clemson has the ball: TJ Moore's 5★ and a 4.3★ receiving corps attack Virginia Tech's 3.0★ secondary; Gideon Davidson adds 4★ punch.
Swing factor: 4★ quarterbacks both: transfer Ethan Grunkemeyer's two years versus Christopher Vizzina's three; Clemson starts only 14% portal.
X-factor: A Week 8 Saturday in Death Valley: Virginia Tech must survive Clemson's home crowd in late October.