The Virginia Tech vs UVA game on Dec 31, 2025, is a Smithfield Commonwealth Clash matchup. No. 21 Virginia (11-1) visits Virginia Tech (11-2) at 2 p.m. on ACC Network. Key players to watch include Thijs De Ridder and Isaac McKneely for UVA. Virginia leads the all-time series 99-61. The Virginia Tech vs UVA rivalry is a college basketball series known as the Smithfield Commonwealth Clash, part of an all-sports competition between the two Virginia schools. This highly anticipated matchup promises thrilling basketball action as two of the ACC’s premier programs clash.
What Is the Virginia Tech vs UVA Rivalry Game on Dec 31?
The much-anticipated Virginia Tech vs UVA basketball game is scheduled for Wednesday, December 31, 2025. No. 21 Virginia enters the contest with an impressive 11-1 record, demonstrating a strong performance throughout the season. Virginia Tech also boasts a solid 11-2 record, setting the stage for a competitive battle. The tipoff is set for 2 p.m. Eastern Time, and fans can catch all the action live on the ACC Network. For those who prefer streaming, the game will be available on ESPN.com/watch. The game will also be broadcast on the Virginia Sports Radio Network, with further details and streaming options available on VirginiaSports.com and the Virginia Sports app. This matchup is part of the Smithfield Commonwealth Clash, worth half a point, with Virginia currently leading the Clash standings at 5.5-0.5.
The game is part of the Smithfield Commonwealth Clash, worth half a point.
Now let’s look at how to watch the game and the latest rankings.
How to Watch Virginia Tech vs UVA: Date, Time, TV, and Radio
You can tune into the Virginia Tech vs UVA basketball game on Wednesday, December 31, 2025, at 2 p.m. ET. The game will be televised on the ACC Network, providing comprehensive coverage for college basketball enthusiasts. For those looking to stream the game online, ESPN.com/watch is the official platform. Radio broadcasts will be available through the Virginia Sports Radio Network, ensuring fans can listen to the live action wherever they are. UVA holds a 3-1 away record this season, underscoring their capability on the road. Furthermore, UVA is ranked 23rd in kenpom.com and 24th in the NET rankings, indicating their strong standing among the nation’s top teams.
- Date: Wednesday, December 31, 2025
- Time: 2:00 PM ET
- TV Channel: ACC Network
- Streaming: ESPN.com/watch
- Radio: Virginia Sports Radio Network
The rivalry extends beyond a single game through the Clash.
What Is the Smithfield Commonwealth Clash?
The Smithfield Commonwealth Clash is a comprehensive, all-sports rivalry series between the University of Virginia and Virginia Tech, encompassing 21 different sports. This basketball matchup contributes half a point towards the overall Clash standings. The Cavaliers have historically dominated the series, securing victories in 2015, 2016, 2019, 2023, 2024, and 2025. Virginia Tech’s wins came in 2017, 2018, and 2022; the 2020 and 2021 clashes were unfortunately canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This ongoing competition adds significant stakes to every athletic encounter between the two institutions.
The Virginia Tech vs UVA rivalry is a college basketball series known as the Smithfield Commonwealth Clash, part of an all-sports competition between the two Virginia schools.
Now let’s look at how the Virginia Cavaliers are performing in 2025-26.
How Are the Virginia Cavaliers Performing Under Ryan Odom?
Under the guidance of Head Coach Ryan Odom, the University of Virginia Cavaliers are displaying a potent offensive performance this season. Ryan Odom, who was named the Dean and Markel Families Men’s Head Basketball Coach on March 22, 2025, has quickly made his mark. He previously coached VCU for two seasons, achieving a 52-21 record and leading them to the 2025 NCAA Tournament. UVA has scored 80 or more points in an impressive 11 games this season, averaging 87.2 points per game, which stands as the second-most in school history.
Ryan Odom is the first UVA coach to start 5-0, surpassing Henry Lannigan’s 4-0 in 1905-06.
His coaching philosophy emphasizes offensive efficiency and strong defensive fundamentals. Odom built a VCU team that won the 2025 Atlantic-10 Tournament and shared the A-10 regular-season title. With a career record of 224-127 over 12 seasons, Odom has a proven track record of success. He previously led UMBC, Utah State, and VCU to NCAA Tournament appearances in his second season at each institution. Notably, he coached UMBC to an upset victory over Virginia in the 2018 NCAA Tournament, marking the first time a No. 16 seed defeated a No. 1 seed.
The Cavaliers’ 2025-26 roster features 12 newcomers, integrating fresh talent alongside returning players. Thijs De Ridder is currently leading UVA in scoring, averaging 16.1 points per game. Johann Grünloh is the team’s top rebounder, pulling down 7.2 boards per game, and also leads in blocks with 2.6 per game. UVA ranks fourth nationally in blocks, averaging 6.5 per game, and 13th nationally in offensive rebounds at 14.6 per game.
UVA averages a school-record 26.5 three-point attempts per game and ranks 15th nationally in three-point shooting percentage at 39.6%. Jacari White has been particularly effective from beyond the arc, setting a UVA record with 12 consecutive made three-pointers from November 28 to December 6 and currently leads the team with 30 three-pointers. In a dominant 95-51 victory over American on December 22, 2025, Thijs De Ridder scored a career-high 27 points, while Malik Thomas, Elijah Gertrude, Sam Lewis, and Chance Mallory also reached double figures. In that same game, UVA shot a season-high 62.3% from the field and secured a commanding 45-23 rebound advantage.
Now let’s turn to Virginia Tech’s season and key players.
What to Know About the Virginia Tech Hokies This Season?
The Virginia Tech Hokies are having a strong season, entering the December 31, 2025, matchup against UVA with an 11-2 record. Their performance indicates a team that is competitive and ready to challenge top opponents. In their previous meeting on February 15, 2025, Tobi Lawal was a standout performer for Virginia Tech, leading the team with 23 points in a hard-fought 73-70 loss at Virginia. This performance highlights Lawal’s potential as a key offensive threat for the Hokies.
The Hokies are strong at home. Now let’s review the series history.
Who Leads the Virginia Tech vs UVA All-Time Series?
The all-time series between the University of Virginia and Virginia Tech is heavily tilted in favor of the Cavaliers, with Virginia leading 99-61. However, the series has seen increased competitiveness in recent years, particularly when playing in Blacksburg, where UVA holds a 24-34 record. The two programs have split their two-game series in each of the last four seasons, demonstrating their ability to defend their home courts. In the last 10 matchups, UVA has held a slight edge, winning five games to Virginia Tech’s five.
Virginia leads the all-time series 99-61.
Most recently, on February 15, 2025, Isaac McKneely led Virginia to a 73-70 victory at Virginia Tech with a strong 22-point performance. Anthony Robinson also had a significant contribution in that game, setting career bests with 15 points and 7 rebounds. These individual performances underscore the hard-fought nature of recent contests.
| Season | UVA Wins | VT Wins | Tied | Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| All-Time | 99 | 61 | 0 | |
| Last 10 | 5 | 5 | 0 | Split evenly |
| Last 4 | 4 | 4 | 0 | Series split each year |
| Blacksburg | 24 | 34 | 0 | UVA record at Virginia Tech |
| Feb 15, 2025 | 1 | 0 | 0 | UVA won 73-70 (McKneely 22 pts) |
These stats highlight the rivalry’s competitiveness. Now let’s focus on key players to watch.
Which Players Will Impact the Virginia Tech vs UVA Game?
Several key players are poised to make a significant impact on the Virginia Tech vs UVA rivalry game. For the University of Virginia Cavaliers, Isaac McKneely has a history of strong performances, notably scoring 22 points in UVA’s 73-70 win at Virginia Tech on February 15, 2025. Anthony Robinson also showcased his capabilities in that same game, achieving career highs with 15 points and 7 rebounds. Thijs De Ridder is the current leading scorer for UVA, averaging 16.1 points per game, and recently posted a career-high 27 points against American on December 22, 2025.
Johann Grünloh anchors the paint for UVA, leading the team in rebounding with 7.2 boards per game and blocks with 2.6 per game. The Cavaliers’ defensive presence is further bolstered by their national ranking of fourth in blocks, averaging 6.5 per game. Ugonna Onyenso recorded eight blocks against Butler, and Johann Grünloh had seven blocks versus NC Central, showcasing the team’s depth in shot-blocking. Jacari White is a sharpshooter to watch, holding a UVA record for 12 consecutive made three-pointers and leading the team with 30 three-pointers on the season.
For Virginia Tech, Tobi Lawal proved to be a primary offensive threat in their last matchup, netting 23 points against UVA. His ability to score will be crucial for the Hokies’ success. The synergy between UVA’s dynamic scorers like De Ridder and White, coupled with the defensive prowess of Grünloh and the team’s blocking ability, will be critical. Conversely, Virginia Tech will look to Lawal and other contributors to match UVA’s offensive output.
These players have the potential to take over the game. Let’s wrap up with what’s next for both teams.
What’s Next for Virginia and Virginia Tech After This Rivalry Game?
Following this intense Smithfield Commonwealth Clash matchup, the University of Virginia Cavaliers have their sights set on their next conference challenge. No. 21 Virginia will travel to Raleigh, North Carolina, to face NC State on Saturday, January 3, 2026. The game is scheduled for an 11 a.m. tipoff and will be broadcast on ESPN2. This road game provides another opportunity for the Cavaliers to test their mettle against an ACC opponent and continue their pursuit of conference success. For Virginia Tech, their schedule beyond this rivalry game will also be a critical factor in their A-10 title aspirations.
With these players in focus, the game promises excitement. Let’s wrap up with what’s next.
FAQ
Q: What time is the Virginia Tech vs UVA game on December 31, 2025?
A: Tipoff is at 2 p.m. ET on Wednesday, Dec. 31, 2025. The game will be televised on ACC Network and streamed on ESPN.com/watch.
Q: Who are the key players to watch in the Virginia Tech vs UVA rivalry game?
A: For UVA, watch Thijs De Ridder (16.1 ppg), Isaac McKneely (22 points in last meeting), and Jacari White (30 three-pointers). For Virginia Tech, Tobi Lawal scored 23 points in their last matchup.
Q: What is the Smithfield Commonwealth Clash?
A: The Smithfield Commonwealth Clash is an all-sports rivalry between Virginia and Virginia Tech across 21 sports. This basketball game is worth half a point in the Clash standings.
Q: Who leads the all-time series between Virginia and Virginia Tech?
A: Virginia leads the all-time series 99-61. The Cavaliers are 24-34 in Blacksburg. The series has split in each of the last four seasons.
Q: How can I watch the Virginia Tech vs UVA basketball game?
A: The game airs on ACC Network at 2 p.m. on Dec. 31, 2025. Streaming is available on ESPN.com/watch. Radio broadcast is on Virginia Sports Radio Network.
