ESPN LATEST NEWS: Frank Beamer Named to 2025 Naismith Hall of Fame Class as Virginia Tech Returns to Final Four Glory — A Hokie Legend Immortalized
In a monumental and emotional moment for the world of college athletics, Frank Beamer, the legendary former Virginia Tech head football coach, has been officially named to the prestigious 2025 Naismith Memorial Hall of Fame Class. While the Hall is traditionally known for honoring basketball excellence, this year’s class includes special cross-sport inductees whose impact transcended a single discipline — and few fit that description better than Beamer.
The announcement was made Saturday afternoon, just hours after Virginia Tech’s basketball team punched its ticket to the Final Four for the first time in over three decades, creating a dreamlike weekend for Hokies fans everywhere. The dual celebration has sparked an overwhelming outpouring of emotion, pride, and respect — not just in Blacksburg, but across the entire college sports landscape.
A Coaching Icon
Frank Beamer spent 29 seasons at the helm of Virginia Tech football (1987–2015), compiling an astounding 280 career wins and transforming the Hokies into a national powerhouse. Under his leadership, Virginia Tech became synonymous with disciplined, hard-nosed football and game-changing special teams — known across the country as “Beamer Ball.” His coaching style was defined by grit, loyalty, and the ability to do more with less.
Beamer led the Hokies to 23 consecutive bowl appearances, 7 conference titles, and a berth in the 2000 BCS National Championship Game. But his legacy is far greater than numbers. He built Virginia Tech’s football identity from the ground up, inspiring generations of athletes, coaches, and fans. His impact on the university and the sport of college football remains immeasurable.
> “I never did it for the accolades,” Beamer said during a press conference following the announcement. “I just loved Virginia Tech, loved the players, and loved the game. This honor means more than I can put into words.”
A Perfect Moment for Hokie Nation
The announcement of Beamer’s Hall of Fame selection coinciding with the Hokies’ Final Four run in basketball has created a once-in-a-lifetime celebration of school pride. For alumni and fans, it’s a moment that bridges generations — a reminder of how far the program has come and how strong its roots remain.
Virginia Tech President Tim Sands called the dual achievement a “defining moment” for the university.
> “Frank Beamer built the soul of this institution’s athletic department. As our basketball team makes history, it feels only right that Coach Beamer gets the ultimate recognition for what he’s done for Hokie Nation.”
Legacy Cemented
Frank Beamer’s induction into the Naismith Hall of Fame marks a rare and extraordinary recognition of a football coach in a basketball hall — a testament to how deeply he has impacted the fabric of college sports. It’s also a symbol of unity across Virginia Tech athletics, as the school enjoys an unprecedented high in both football legacy and basketball achievement.
As the 2025 Final Four approaches and Hokie fans gear up for history on the hardwood, they do so with hearts full of pride — knowing their most cherished coaching legend is finally getting the national honor he has long deserved.
Congratulations, Coach Beamer —
your legacy will echo forever.
