The 2025-26 season hasn’t gone as expected for the Virginia Tech Hokies. Sitting at 18-10 and 7-8 ahead of Saturday’s showdown against the No. 18 North Carolina Tar Heels in Chapel Hill, the Hokies received some good news.
Sophomore guard Tyler Johnson is off the injury report and will play on Saturday at UNC. It’s big news for Virginia Tech, which has been without the 6-foot-5 guard from Orlando since a December 20th win over Elon. Johnson has yet to play in an ACC game this season, but is returning
at the perfect time, as the Hokies look to finish strong in an effort to make the NCAA Tournament.
Head coach Mike Young has been saying Johnson was close for a few weeks. On Thursday’s edition of Tech Talk Live, Young confirmed we’d see Johnson against the Tar Heels, via David Cunningham of Tech Sideline.
Before his injury, Johnson averaged 9.5 points, 5.3 rebounds and 1.5 steals per game. Johnson shoots 53% from the floor and 42% from 3-point range. He also happens to be Virginia Tech’s best defender.
The Hokies finish the season at No. 18 North Carolina, at home against Boston College, and next Saturday at No. 11 Virginia. Johnson’s return puts the Hokies at full strength for the first time since November, when they lost Tobi Lawal for several games with a leg injury.
North Carolina officially ruled out superstar freshman Caleb Wilson, who fractured his non-throwing hand earlier this month. Wilson is close to a return, but will not suit up against the Hokies. UNC has played well without Wilson, though.
Here’s how you can watch Saturday’s game:
- When: Saturday, February 28, 2026
- Time: 8:30 p.m. ET
- Where: Dean Smith Center, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
- TV: ESPN2
- Announcers: Wes Durham and Dennis Scott
- Radio: Virginia Tech Sports Network Radio. You can find a list of affiliates here.
- Streaming: ESPN.com and ESPN app
- Betting odds: The Tar Heels are a 6.5-point favorite, according to FanDuel.
