A matchup 42 years in the making…
This fall, Virginia Military Institute and Virginia Tech will once again battle on the gridiron. To celebrate this historic event, VMI has partnered directly with VT to offer select co-branded merchandise, allowing fans far and wide to commemorate the occasion.
Matchup Merchandise
The merchandise blends together the modern identity of each school with a look back at the original 90-year run of this southwest Virginia rivalry. Merchandise coming soon!
CHALLENGE COIN
Honoring the tradition of military challenge coins, commemorate this historic game by bringing home this limited-edition souvenir.
One side of the coin features a nod to the Corps of Cadets from both schools — where the tradition originally began.
The other side features an image from the 1967 game, with VMI leading the charge.
GAME DAY SHIRT
A custom shirt features helmet designs from prior matchups and a reference to the 42-year long hiatus until the rivalry was reignited again in 2026.
The shirt also references the location of Lane Stadium, Blacksburg, Va.
The Historic Rivalry: Let’s make it 26 in ’26!
1894
Virginia Military Institute meets Virginia Polytechnic Institute (VPI) in Roanoke for the first matchup for the school’s football programs. VMI 10 – 6 VPI
1895 – 1908
Games do not occur each year and are split between Lynchburg, Roanoke, Norfolk, and Richmond.
- VPI dominates VMI during this time period, winning 8 out of 9. VMI’s lone victory comes in 1900.
1913 – 1971
The game is played annually, usually in Roanoke on Thanksgiving. At this time, it is considered The Military Classic of the South.
- VMI’s longest winning streak was 3 games in 1927-1929 and again 1939-1941.
- Another period of success was 1947-1951 where VMI won 2, tied 1, and then won the next 2 meetings.
1973 – 1984
The rivalry resumes after a 2-year hiatus, and VPI is now officially known as Virginia Tech.
Overall VMI Record: 25 wins, 49 losses, and 5 ties.
Top Row: 1894, 1967, 1973. Bottom Row: 1974, 1974, 1983. —Photos courtesy of VMI Archives.
Game Day & Ticket Information
The Corps will be heard from at Lane Stadium!
Date: Saturday, Sept. 5, 2026
Kick-Off: 7:30 PM
Location: Lane Stadium/Worsham Field, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Va.
Show your support for your Keydets as they take on the Hokies. Tickets are going fast so grab yours today.
Tickets are currently sold out. Visit the Seat Geek Resale Tickets link to purchase tickets.
