NewsVirginia Tech Beats Clemson 20–16 on Late Luke Reynolds Touchdown
The Hokies rallied past Clemson with a fourth-down touchdown and a final defensive stand to earn a road win and bowl eligibility.
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CLEMSON, South Carolina — Virginia Tech defeated Clemson 20–16 on Saturday, October 24, 2026, after a fourth-down touchdown with 1:44 remaining. Tight end Luke Reynolds caught both Hokies touchdowns, including the decisive five-yard pass from Ethan Grunkemeyer, and the Virginia Tech defense ended Clemson's final possession on downs.
Virginia Tech vs Clemson: How the game unfolded
Virginia Tech opened the scoring on a 37-yard John Love field goal late in the first quarter. Clemson answered with a Nolan Hauser field goal, but the Hokies moved back in front when Grunkemeyer found Reynolds for a six-yard touchdown late in the second quarter. Virginia Tech led 10–3 at halftime.
Clemson then took over the scoreboard in the third quarter. Hauser added a 49-yard field goal, freshman quarterback Tait Reynolds scored on a 16-yard run, and Hauser connected again from 36 yards. The Tigers carried a 16–10 lead into the fourth quarter, having scored 13 consecutive points.
The fourth-down touchdown that decided the game
Love's 47-yard field goal brought Virginia Tech within three, 16–13, with 11:52 left. Later, the Hokies drove 69 yards in 11 plays to reach the Clemson goal line. On fourth-and-1, Grunkemeyer passed to Luke Reynolds for the go-ahead five-yard touchdown with 1:44 remaining.
That decision to throw on fourth down was the defining offensive moment. A failed play could have handed Clemson possession with a lead; the completion instead gave Virginia Tech four points of breathing room after the extra point.
Why Clemson's final drive ended
Clemson appeared to complete a long third-down pass to Bryant Wesco Jr., but the ruling was overturned after review. On fourth down, the Hokies sacked quarterback Tait Reynolds to end the comeback attempt. Clemson's official recap identifies the overturned completion and final sack as the last sequence.
The Hokies' defense recorded 13 tackles for loss and four sacks, according to Virginia Tech. Clemson still outgained Virginia Tech 288 to 234 in total yards and registered six sacks of its own. The score therefore turned less on overall yardage than on execution in the decisive possessions.
Key players and ACC implications
Grunkemeyer completed 20 of 32 passes for 156 yards and two touchdowns. Luke Reynolds finished with seven catches for 44 yards and two scores. Clemson's Tait Reynolds passed for 153 yards and led the Tigers in rushing with 63 yards, including a touchdown.
Virginia Tech improved to 6–2 overall and 3–2 in ACC play, reaching the six-win threshold generally associated with bowl eligibility. Clemson dropped to 4–3 and 2–2. Virginia Tech's official account says this was its first win at Clemson since 2007.
Frequently asked questions
Who won Virginia Tech vs Clemson in 2026?
Virginia Tech won 20–16 on October 24.
Who scored the winning touchdown?
Luke Reynolds caught a five-yard touchdown from Ethan Grunkemeyer with 1:44 remaining.
Did Clemson get the ball back?
Yes, but its final drive ended on a fourth-down sack.
Sources and verification
NewsTrendus independently explains confirmed information using credited primary records and reporting. No original source article or copyrighted event photograph has been reproduced.
- Virginia Tech Athletics: official game recap
- Clemson Athletics: official opposing-team game recap
- FOX Sports: Virginia Tech at Clemson game box score
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