On Wednesday, Virginia Tech announced that LB George Ballance will wear the historic No. 25 jersey — honoring Frank Beamer — for the entire 2026 season.
More than a number, it’s a legacy.
— Virginia Tech Football (@HokiesFB) September 2, 2026
Congrats to @Georgeb_50 on earning the honor of wearing No. 25 this season!#LetsGoHokies pic.twitter.com/k3zgGJBIXR
This comes as a change from what Hokies' tradition has been in recent years. Since Frank Beamer retired in 2015, the No. 25 jersey cycled between special teams players on a week-to-week basis, based on the previous game's performances.
In three years with the Hokies, the Frank Cox product and veteran linebacker has played in 16 games totaling 14 tackles, 7 of which are solo, and one pass breakup, which last season. On August 22, Ballance was named as one of the six captains on the team, alongside
For Ballance, the season-long honor gives the veteran an opportunity to leave his own mark on one of the most recognizable numbers in Virginia Tech football history. After spending much of his career contributing in a reserve role and on special teams, Ballance will carry a number that has come to represent far more than an individual player each Saturday.
