By Introduction
As Selection Sunday draws near, fans of underperforming programs like Virginia Tech are eagerly anticipating the 2025 NIT projections. With the NCAA Tournament stealing the spotlight, the National Invitation Tournament still offers a platform for rising teams and overlooked contenders to prove themselves on a national stage.
This year, Virginia Tech’s performance has caught the attention of college basketball analysts and bracketologists. While a March Madness spot remains unlikely, an NIT invitation could be just the momentum boost the Hokies need. In this deep dive, we’ll break down the state of the 2025 NIT Tournament race, strength-of-schedule metrics, bracketology trends, and why Virginia Tech is well-positioned to make a strong run.
What is the NIT, and why does it still matter?
The National Invitation Tournament (NIT) may not carry the same prestige as March Madness, but it’s far from irrelevant. This post-season competition offers high-level competition and national visibility for teams that fall just short of an NCAA Tournament bid.
Why the NIT Still Counts
- Player development: Young or rising rosters gain postseason experience.
- Recruiting momentum: Participating schools often see a boost in recruiting.
- Pro exposure: Scouts view the NIT as a serious showcase for NBA potential.
With a field of 32 teams, the 2025 NIT Projections promises tough matchups and a platform for programs like Virginia Tech to show they’re still on the rise.
How Are NIT Projections Created?
Accurate NIT projections rely on a combination of analytics, rankings, and human judgment. Unlike the NCAA Tournament selection, which heavily favors Quad 1 wins, the NIT looks at a broader picture.
Key Factors in Projections
- NET Rankings: NCAA Evaluation Tool used to assess team performance.
- Strength of schedule (SOS): Tougher games often improve a team’s resume, even in losses.
- Conference standings: Teams finishing in the upper tier of competitive conferences have stronger cases.
- Recent performance: A strong finish can sway the selection committee.
NIT Bracketologists, such as those from ESPN and CBS Sports, continually update their predictions based on late-season performances, injury updates, and win quality.
2025 NIT vs. NCAA Tournament: Key Differences
While both tournaments celebrate college basketball, they have important distinctions.
| Category | NCAA Tournament | NIT Tournament |
| Teams | 68 | 32 |
| Format | Single-elimination | Single-elimination |
| Invitation | Selection + Auto-bids | Selection + Auto-bids |
| Prestige | High | Moderate |
| Exposure Level | Nationwide, Prime Time | ESPN & Regional Broadcasts |
| Focus | National Title | Player Dev & Program Growth |
The National Invitation Tournament (NIT) holds significant value for mid-tier programs seeking to garner attention or recuperate from their narrow failure to qualify for the Big Dance.
Virginia Tech’s 2025 Season Performance at a Glance
Virginia Tech had a strong finish to their 2024–25 season, rallying in the final weeks of ACC play.
Key Stats
- Overall Record: 19–12
- Conference Record: 10–10 (ACC)
- Big Wins: Wins over UNC and Wake Forest
- NET Ranking: 63 (as of March 10, 2025)
- SOS Rank: Top 40 nationally
While not dominant, these stats put them right in the mix for an NIT invitation. Strong performances on both ends of the court have sparked bracketologists to include them in their latest predictions.
Where Does Virginia Tech Stand in the Latest NIT Brackets?
Per the latest 2025 projections from ESPN’s Joe Lunardi and CBS Sports analyst Jerry Palm, Virginia Tech is appearing consistently as a mid-tier seed, often around the 4 or 5 line in mock brackets.
NIT Bracket Projection (as of March 10, 2025)
| Region | Seed | Team |
| East | 5 | Virginia Tech |
| West | 5 | Washington State |
| South | 4 | Iowa |
| Midwest | 4 | UAB |
This spot gives them a favorable matchup against similarly ranked teams, offering a solid shot at a first-round win and potentially a Sweet 16 run within the NIT format.
Key Bubble Teams Competing for a Spot
The true competition takes place in the bubble. Virginia Tech is not alone in vying for an invitation.
Major Bubble Teams
- Cincinnati (18–13) Strong schedule, but poor road record
- Providence (17–14) has achieved Big East wins, but is experiencing a loss of momentum.
- Mississippi State (19–12) Inconsistent but high-profile games
- Vanderbilt (16–15) Streaky but key wins in SEC
Virginia Tech’s edge comes from higher NET scores and better strength-of-schedule metrics, which selection committees weigh heavily.
Strength of Schedule and NET Rankings Explained
Why do NET rankings and SOS matter so much? Because they reflect who you play and how well you play them.
Virginia Tech Metrics
| Metric | Value |
| NET Ranking | 63 |
| SOS National Rank | 38 |
| Quad 1 Wins | 3 |
| Non-Conference RPI | Top 50 |
Comparatively, teams like Providence and Vanderbilt have lower Quad 1 wins and weaker schedules, strengthening Virginia Tech’s bracket case.
Players to Watch on Virginia Tech’s Roster
Several standouts on the 2025 roster have been pivotal in turning around VT’s season outlook.
- Jayden McCall (G, Jr.): Leading scorer, averaging 17.6 PPG
- Elijah Reese (F, So.): Athletic forward with NBA potential
- Anthony Wells (C, Sr.): Veteran anchor in the paint
- Zion Taylor (G, Fr.): Breakout freshman with lights-out shooting
These players aren’t just producing; they’re doing it under pressure especially in close conference games that matter most for selection.
Historical Performance: How Have Hokies Done in the NIT?
Virginia Tech is no stranger to the NIT Projections and has often treated it as more than a consolation prize.
Past Appearances
- Last NIT: 2021– Sweet 16 finish
- Best Finish: Final Four (second place) in multiple years
- All-Time Record in NIT: 15–12
They’ve traditionally performed well, showing composure in tight matchups and often exceeding seeding expectations.
Predictions: How Far Can Virginia Tech Go?
If selected, how far can the Hokies go? That depends on matchups, but signs are encouraging.
Factors Favoring a Deep Run
- Balanced scoring options
- Solid defense (top 50 nationally)
- Strong free throw shooting
- Underdog mentality and experience
Projected Final NIT Performance Quarterfinals
Potential Upsets Vs. Michigan State, the number one seed, or UAB, the number four seed
With momentum and motivation, a Cinderella run isn’t out of the question.
FAQs
Is Virginia Tech in the 2025 NIT?
Not yet officially, but current projections place them safely in the bracket.
When will be the 2025 NIT Projections bracket released?
NIT selections will be announced on Sunday night, March 16, 2025, after the NCAA selections.
How many teams are in the NIT Projections?
The NIT comprises 32 teams, a combination of automatic and at-large bids.
What channel airs the NIT tournament?
Games are broadcast on ESPN networks and ESPN+ streaming.
Does winning the NIT impact recruiting?
Yes. Strong NIT showings often increase visibility for both teams and individual players.
Conclusion
With strong late-season performances and encouraging metrics, Virginia Tech is in a prime position for a spot in the 2025 NIT field. Despite the challenges ahead, the Hokies possess the talent, coaching, and motivation to make a significant impact this March, even if they are not in the NCAA spotlight.
The NIT presents an opportunity for fans, analysts, and players alike, potentially providing a first glimpse of Virginia Tech’s future stars demonstrating resilience under pressure.