Off To Never Never Land | Virginia Tech Hokies Football

[Bailey4mvp]

Hahahaha I was waiting for this. Congrats.... i mean i still beat you inn the regular season, so im not upset that you won the title.

[Bailey4mvp]

Virginia Tech Hokies Face Significant Roster Turnover Ahead of New Season
A New Chapter Begins with the Loss of 34 Players, Including 12 Starters

As the Virginia Tech Hokies gear up for the new football season, the program faces one of its most significant roster overhauls in recent memory. A total of 34 players have exited the team, spanning both early departures and graduating seniors, and among them, 12 were starters last season. This wave of turnover is poised to reshape the Hokies’ depth chart, chemistry, and leadership on both sides of the ball.

Early Departures: Underclassmen On the Move
A notable group of 13 underclassmen has left the program, each for their own reasons. Some cited limited professional potential, while others sought increased playing time or a better fit in a different system. The departures are felt keenly on both offense and defense:

• Offense: HB Jeremiah Coney, FB Henry Spencer, TE Benji Gosnell, TE Tate Kendall, OT Lucas Austin, OT Layth Ghannam
• Defense: EDGE Aycen Stevens, DT Emmett Laws, LB Colby McClain, CB Dante Lovett, CB Joseph Reddish, FS Quentin Reddish

These losses remove depth from skill positions, the offensive line, and key spots in the defensive unit—forcing the coaching staff to accelerate the development of younger players and transfers.

Graduated Seniors: Veterans Leave Their Mark
The Hokies also bid farewell to a veteran class of 21 seniors. With these graduates go not just on-field production, but also invaluable leadership, experience, and locker room presence.

• Offense: QB Kyron Drones*, HB Braydon Bennett, HB Marcellous Hawkins, FB Ricky Stiles*, WR Donavon Greene*, OG Tomas Rimac*, OT Montavious Cunningham*
• Defense: EDGE Ben Bell*, James Djonkam, Key’Shawn Burgos, James Jennette; DT Immanuel Hickman, Kelvin Gilliam Jr., Arias Nash; LB Jaden Keller, Will Johnson; CB Caleb Brown*, SS Christian Ellis*, Sherrod Covil Jr.*, Tyler Childress, Isaiah Cash
• Special Teams: K Kyle Lowe, P Nick Veltsistas*

The players marked with an asterisk (*) were starters last season, underscoring the magnitude of experience that the Hokies must replace, particularly at quarterback, the offensive line, and throughout the defense’s spine.

Impact on the Starting Lineup
Of the 34 departures, 12 were entrenched starters. Their absence leaves critical vacancies that will challenge returning players and newcomers alike. Building cohesion and leadership will be paramount as the team looks to establish new cornerstones on both sides of the ball.
Looking Forward: Opportunity Amid Adversity

This offseason’s roster turnover, while daunting, also opens the door to fresh faces and renewed competition. Younger players and recent recruits will have the opportunity to step into larger roles. The coaching staff’s ability to integrate these new contributors quickly may well determine the trajectory of the Hokies’ upcoming season.

The Hokies enter the year with questions to answer and gaps to fill—but also with the potential for rapid growth and the excitement that only the unknown can bring. As Virginia Tech football enters this new chapter, fans will watch closely to see which emerging players seize the moment and help write the next great story in Hokie history.

[redsox907]

12 departing starters??

Hopefully you can nab some studs in the transfer portal

[YaBoyRobRoy]

looking forward to the upcoming retooling of your roster. I'm sure lots of recruits want to come to town just for that stadium entrance alone lol.

[Bailey4mvp]

12 departing starters??

Hopefully you can nab some studs in the transfer portal

Yeah i wasn't expecting to lose that many. thanksfully Bass and Stewart stayed, they both wanted to leave.

looking forward to the upcoming retooling of your roster. I'm sure lots of recruits want to come to town just for that stadium entrance alone lol.

Lol, hopefully mate we will see im just at that point now.

[Bailey4mvp]

Hokies Haul In 30th-Ranked Recruiting Class, Land Major Transfers
Blacksburg, VA — Virginia Tech continues to build momentum on the recruiting trail, signing the 30th-best overall class in the country and the 5th-best in the ACC, bolstered by a strong mix of high school talent and headline-grabbing transfers. Head coach Brent Pry and staff clearly targeted high-upside defenders, versatile athletes, and plug-and-play additions from the portal in an effort to fast-track the program’s climb back to ACC contention.

High School Class: Front Seven Reload
The Hokies inked 17 high school prospects, headlined by 5-star linebacker Tyree Nagy, a do-it-all SAM from Virginia Beach who ranked No. 66 nationally and second in-state. Nagy brings elite size (6’3”, 239) and physicality, expected to contribute immediately on special teams and rotate into the linebacker corps early.

Joining him in the front seven are 4-star MIKE Brian Robledo out of Maryland and 4-star EDGE Nyles Addae, a pass-rushing specialist from South Carolina. Robledo’s low center of gravity (5’11”, 244) and downhill instincts have the staff excited about his future in the middle.

On offense, Virginia Tech went heavy at tight end and wide receiver. The TE duo of James Wilkins (6’6”) and Moses Junior (6’1”) gives the Hokies multiple body types and potential matchup nightmares in the red zone. Wideouts Brock Frederick, Ja’Darius Panos, and Jaden Ring add length, versatility, and depth to the outside.

Quarterback Angel Aviles (6’3”, 182) is a developmental passer with intriguing tools and will likely redshirt while he adjusts to the system.

Transfer Portal: Major Defensive Boosts
Virginia Tech made noise in the portal, landing three 4-star defenders who project as immediate impact players:

Koi Perich (FS) — Ranked the No. 1 safety transfer in the nation, Perich flips from Minnesota to Blacksburg. A rangy, instinctive ballhawk, he brings leadership and elite coverage skills to a secondary in need of playmakers.

Jeremiah Wilson (CB) — A top-15 overall transfer nationally, the Florida State product adds speed and polish at corner, giving Tech a potential lockdown duo on the perimeter.

TJ Bush Jr. (LEDG) — A physically imposing edge rusher (6’3”, 260), Bush returns to his home state from Cal and should thrive in Tech’s aggressive front-seven schemes.

Offensively, the Hokies added Nathan Leacock, a big-bodied wide receiver (6’3”, 216) from UNC who brings Power 5 experience and red zone ability. Tight end Hollis Davidson III (Auburn) and linebacker Grayson Howard (Florida) round out a class filled with players ready to contribute now.

Virginia Tech Lands Top-3 Transfer in Nation
The crown jewel of the transfer class might be Koi Perich, ranked as the No. 3 overall transfer in the country. His commitment vaults the Hokies’ secondary to one of the most improved position groups in the ACC.

Class Outlook
This class reflects a balanced approach:

Elite defensive core (Nagy, Robledo, Bush, Perich)

Size and skill at tight end and receiver

Key portal pieces with Power 5 experience

While not the deepest class in terms of blue-chip volume, the combination of top-end talent and proven transfers gives Virginia Tech a solid blend of immediate help and long-term potential. The foundation is being laid — and Blacksburg may be inching closer to relevance again in the ACC title picture.

High School Recruits:

Tyree Nagy - SAM 6'3"/239lbs
National: 66 | State: 2 | Positional: 6
Hometown: Virginia Beach, VA

Nyles Addae - REDG 6'3"/220lbs
National: 371 | State: 8 | Positional: 31
Hometown: Seneca, SC

Brian Robledo - Mike 5'11"/244lbs
National: 243 | State: 6 | Positional: 17
Hometown: Washington, MD

Devin Hagans - LEDG 6'3"/244lbs
National: 755 | State: 13 | Positional: 64
Hometown: Gibsonia, PA

James Wilkins - TE 6'6"/213lbs
National: 599 | State: 62 | Positional: 23
Hometown: Baker, FL

Moses Junior - TE 6'1"/229lbs
National: 491 | State: 2 | Positional: 22
Hometown: Shakopee, MN

Brock Frederick - WR 6'3"/182lbs
National: 1395 | State: 35 | Positional: 285
Hometown: Boiling Springs, SC

Angel Aviles - QB 6'3"/182lbs
National: 1594| State: 8 | Positional: 112
Hometown: Omaha, NE

Mike Drew - ATH 5'8"/177lbs
National: 1527 | State: 149 | Positional: 305
Hometown: Dublin, GA

Alex Goodwell - SS 5'11"/216lbs
National: 1652 | State: 65 | Positional: 101
Hometown: High Point, NC

Jose Mahoney - DT 6'6"/305lbs
National: 1727 | State: 163 | Positional: 83
Hometown: Netter, GA

Jarred Osgood - OG 6'3"/305lbs
National: 1812 | State: 182 | Positional: 77
Hometown: Mission Hills, CA

DeSean Temple - SS 5'9"/180lbs
National: 2524 | State: 51 | Positional: 39
Hometown: Washington, MD

Calvin Katula - ATH 6'3"/201lbs
National: 2107 | State: 62 | Positional: 529
Hometown: Columbia, SC

Martin Bootle - SAM 6'1"/219lbs
National: 2923 | State: 83 | Positional: 181
Hometown: Charlotte, NC

Jaden Ring - WR 6'4"/197lbs
National: 2923 | State: 112 | Positional: 557
Hometown: Asheville, NC

Ja'Darius Panos - WR 5'10"/193lbs
National: 2890 | State: 48 | Positional: 549
Hometown: Virginia Beach, VA

Transfers:

Koi Perich - FS 6'1"/200lbs
National: 3 | State: 1 | Positional: 1
Hometown: Esko, MN
Previous School: Minnesota

Jeremiah Wilson - CB 5'10"/185lbs
National: 11 | State: 1 | Positional: 2
Hometown: Kissimmee, FL
Previous School: Florida State

TJ Bush Jr. - LEDG 6'3"/260lbs
National: 34 | State: 2 | Positional: 1
Hometown: Woodbridge, VA
Previous School: California

Nathan Leacock - WR 6'3"/216lbs
National: 137 | State: 4 | Positional: 16
Hometown: Raleigh, NC
Previous School: North Carolina

Grayson Howard - MIKE 6'4"/232lbs
National: 337 | State: 35 | Positional: 5
Hometown: Jacksonville, FL
Previous School: Florida

Hollis Davidson III - TE 6'5"/231lbs
National: 697 | State: 72 | Positional: 29
Hometown: Peachtree City, GA
Previous School: Auburn

Delmar White - DT 6'2"/340lbs
National: 1564 | State: 34 | Positional: 76
Hometown: Millersville, MD
Previous School: Maryland

DeWayne Gissendanner - CB 5'10"/172lbs
National: 2009 | State: 69 | Positional: 197
Hometown: Charlotte, NC
Previous School: Kent State

[Bailey4mvp]

Top 10 Transfers Shake Up the Landscape
OFFSEASON RECAP — TRANSFER PORTAL WATCH
The offseason transfer window has officially closed, and programs across the country have reshaped their rosters in preparation for the upcoming season. From powerhouse contenders to rising programs, teams have made strategic moves to address needs, add depth, or inject playmaking talent. With fall camps now underway, here’s a look at the Top 10 Transfer Moves that could have the biggest impact on the 2025 college football campaign:

1. REDG Collin Simmons | Transferred: Texas → Ohio State
Ohio State lands one of the most disruptive edge rushers in the nation in Collin Simmons. The former Texas standout brings explosiveness and experience, immediately boosting the Buckeyes’ defensive front.

2. LT Jordan Seaton | Transferred: Colorado → Penn State
Penn State reinforces its offensive line with the addition of Jordan Seaton. A powerful blindside protector, Seaton is expected to anchor the left side and provide a steady presence in pass protection. Colorado will feel the loss up front.

3. FS Koi Perich | Transferred: Minnesota → Virginia Tech
Virginia Tech secures a key piece for its secondary with the acquisition of Koi Perich. His range, ball skills, and high football IQ position him to lead the Hokies’ defense from the back end.

4. HB Ahmad Hardy | Transferred: Missouri → Pittsburgh
Pitt adds a dynamic weapon to its backfield in Ahmad Hardy. Known for his burst, vision, and pass-catching ability, Hardy is expected to take on a significant role in the Panthers’ offensive scheme.

5. WR Cam Coleman | Transferred: Auburn → Ole Miss
Cam Coleman brings big-play potential to Ole Miss. A vertical threat with elite hands, he adds another layer of explosiveness to the Rebels' passing attack.

6. SS Bray Hubbard | Transferred: Alabama → Tulane
Tulane picks up a high-IQ safety in Bray Hubbard. A former Alabama reserve, he’s poised to step into a leadership role and become a foundational player in the Green Wave secondary.

7. CB Ashton Stumps | Transferred: LSU → BYU
BYU lands an experienced SEC cornerback in Ashton Stumps. His physicality and coverage skills are expected to elevate the Cougars’ defensive backfield right away.

8. REDG Trey White | Transferred: San Diego State → LSU
LSU reloads its defensive front with the addition of Trey White. His quickness off the edge and ability to generate pressure will be a welcome addition to the Tigers' rotation.

9. QB Avery Johnson | Transferred: Kansas State → Louisville
Louisville gains a versatile signal-caller in Avery Johnson. With dual-threat capabilities and a high ceiling, Johnson enters fall camp as a legitimate contender for the starting quarterback role.

10. HB Bryson Washington | Transferred: Baylor → TCU
TCU enhances its backfield depth by acquiring Bryson Washington. A tough, downhill runner, Washington will look to carve out a key role in the Horned Frogs’ rotation.

Scouting Summary
This year’s transfer cycle reshaped rosters across every conference, highlighting the growing influence of the portal on college football team-building strategy. With players stepping into new systems and roles, chemistry and development during fall camp will be critical. As kickoff nears, coaching staffs are focused on integrating their new additions and maximizing their upside. Expect some of these moves to become season-defining.

[The JZA]

Boys had a nice recruiting season, as expected

Louisville just got a little dangerous getting Avery Johnson

[Bailey4mvp]

Boys had a nice recruiting season, as expected

Louisville just got a little dangerous getting Avery Johnson

Yeah i was happy to get that 39th overall class. The Portal is such a game changer.

I will need to make sure i keep Johnson in Check.

Cheers for following mate.

[redsox907]

TJ Bush is going to be a game wrecked for you

I'd say you did the best you could replacing so many starters. Excited to see how the roster looks for S2!