Off To Never Never Land | Virginia Tech Hokies Football

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Seeing Duke in the Natty (was expected Bama with how their offense was moving the first two rounds)

I was fully expecting Bama vs Penn St

Duke??...

Yeah I hope Penn St blow them out.

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Virginia Tech Hokies Face Major Roster Shakeup Entering 2027
A New Era Dawns Following the Loss of 17 Starters, Including Award-Winning Seniors

As the Virginia Tech Hokies prepare for the 2027 season, the program faces a dramatic roster overhaul after one of the most decorated senior classes in school history departs. Between early declarations, transfers, and graduating veterans, the Hokies will enter the fall without 17 starters—seven on offense, nine on defense, and one on special teams. The transition marks a turning point for the program, as new leaders must emerge to carry forward the standard set by this senior-laden squad.

Early Departures: Stars Look to the Next Level

While much of the roster turnover comes from graduation, the Hokies also saw a handful of underclassmen make career-defining moves.

Offense: QB AJ Brand (Playing Time), HB Jeff Overton (Brand Exposure) — both expected to step into starting roles next season.
Defense: LB George Balance, FS Koi Perich* (NFL Draft – projected 1st-round pick).

Perich’s decision to forgo his senior year is particularly impactful, as the All-American safety was a cornerstone of the Hokies’ defense.

Graduating Veterans: An Elite Core Moves On

Virginia Tech also bids farewell to one of its most accomplished senior classes ever, a group loaded with national award winners and All-Americans.

Offense: QB Garret Rangel*, HB Terion Stewart*, WR Ayden Greene*, WR Cameron Seldon*, WR Tucker Holloway, TE Harrison Saint-Germain, OG Jaden Muskrat*, OT Johnny Garrett*, OT Brody Meadows*
Defense: EDGE TJ Bush Jr., EDGE Caleb Woodson, DT Kemari Copeland*, LB Grayson Howard*, LB Jordan Bass*, LB Mike Short, CB Jeremiah Wilson*, CB Isaiah Brown-Murray*, LB Dewayne Gissendanner, FS Tyson Flowers*, CB Devin Alves
Special Teams: K John Love*

The players marked with an asterisk (*) were starters last season, underscoring the leadership void across nearly every position group.

Final Accolades: A Decorated Legacy

This outgoing class didn’t just leave with wins on the field—they dominated the national awards circuit.

Grayson Howard (SR, MIKE): Chuck Bednarik, Bronko Nagurski & Dick Butkus Awards
TJ Bush Jr. (SR, LEDG): Lombardi Award & Edge Rusher of the Year
Jeremiah Wilson (SR, CB): Jim Thorpe Award

All-American recognition followed as well: Bush, Howard, Bass, and Wilson all earned First Team honors, while Caleb Woodson and Koi Perich landed on the Second Team. Within the ACC, Virginia Tech was just as dominant, with seven different Hokies named to All-Conference teams—including freshman standout HB Jeff Overton, who made the Freshman All-ACC list.

It was a rare season where individual brilliance matched team success, cementing this senior core as one of the most decorated in Hokies history.

Impact on the Starting Lineup

The loss of 17 starters leaves gaping holes across the depth chart, particularly at quarterback, linebacker, and the secondary. With defensive stalwarts like Grayson Howard, TJ Bush Jr., and Jeremiah Wilson graduating, the Hokies must replace not only production but also the award-winning backbone of their unit. On offense, the departures of Garret Rangel and nearly the entire receiving corps mean new playmakers must step up immediately.

Looking Ahead: Opportunity Amid Change

While the turnover is daunting, it also clears the way for a new generation of Hokies. Young talents like QB AJ Brand and HB Jeff Overton are poised to seize bigger roles, while the defense will look for fresh leaders to emerge in the post-Howard and Bush era. The challenge for Virginia Tech’s staff will be molding this next wave quickly, ensuring the program maintains its standard as a contender while breaking in a new core.

The 2027 season begins a new chapter in Blacksburg—one defined by questions, opportunities, and the chance for rising stars to etch their names into Hokie history.

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Virginia Tech Reloads with Balanced 2025 Recruiting Class and Portal Haul

Virginia Tech’s 2026 class is a reflection of Brent Pry’s dual-track recruiting approach: securing nationally ranked stars while developing under-the-radar talent — and supplementing both with proven transfers. The result is a class that blends immediate-impact playmakers with high-upside projects destined to grow into contributors.

Headliners: Proven Talent at the Top

Dom Tonyan, a 6’0”, 202-pound four-star safety from Baltimore, Maryland, headlines the class as one of the nation’s premier defensive backs. Ranked No. 94 nationally and the No. 2 safety in the country, Tonyan is a rangy defender with elite instincts and closing speed. He projects as an immediate difference-maker on the back end of Tech’s secondary.

Joining him in the trenches is Derek Carr, a towering 6’6”, 244-pound four-star edge rusher from Eldridge, Iowa. Ranked No. 117 nationally and the top prospect in his state, Carr is a disruptive pass rusher with length and burst, capable of anchoring the Hokies’ future pass rush.

On the interior, George Feeny, a 6’3”, 303-pound defensive tackle from Arkansas, brings strength and leverage. Ranked No. 329 nationally, Feeny is the kind of stout, physical lineman who fits perfectly into Virginia Tech’s scheme.

The offensive backfield gains a dynamic spark in Connor Dell, a four-star halfback from Baltimore. Ranked No. 348 nationally, Dell pairs vision with speed, giving the Hokies a potential early contributor. Edge rusher Terrelle Carswell, a 6’4”, 243-pound four-star from Highland Springs, Virginia, rounds out the group. Ranked No. 377 nationally, Carswell adds depth to a defensive line that’s quickly becoming the strength of the roster.

Key Additions: Depth and Development

While the headliners steal the spotlight, Tech’s 3-star class provides the depth and versatility needed to sustain success.

Gideon Fumagali (ATH, Virginia Beach) is a fluid, 6’3” athlete ranked No. 555 nationally, capable of lining up on either side of the ball. Trent LaRocque (TE, Delaware), at 6’6”, 228, offers a long, athletic target in the passing game.

The trenches are fortified by Alex Stacy (LT, Greensboro, NC), a 6’6”, 307-pound tackle with raw power, and JoJo Darnold (IOL, Louisiana), a 6’3”, 316-pound mauler ranked No. 1786 nationally.

Defensively, the Hokies secured multiple corners, including Akeem Ekuban (Huntersville, NC), Glen Havner (JUCO, Rockville, MD), John Shembo (Summerville, SC), and Bruce Carver (Matthews, NC), giving the secondary much-needed depth and competition. Elton Briscoe (MIKE, Asheville, NC) brings physicality inside, while Avery Pascoe (FS, Virginia Beach) offers range on the back end.

Special teams also benefit from Matthew McGary, a 6’3” kicker out of Georgia with both leg strength and consistency.

At quarterback, Kasey Mentor (The Villages, FL) joins as a developmental passer with size and poise, adding depth to the position.

Transfer Portal Reinforcements

Virginia Tech was aggressive in the portal, adding veteran depth and proven producers.

[*]Jeff Overton (HB, Virginia Tech → returning), a former four-star ranked No. 46 nationally, brings explosive speed back into the backfield rotation.
[*]Kameron Courtney (WR, Virginia), a seasoned senior, adds experience and reliable hands to the passing game.
[*]Payton Kirkland (OT, Georgia Southern), at 6’6”, 352, gives Tech a massive presence up front.
[*]Brian Simms III (LB, Cincinnati) and Antonio Tripp Jr. (IOL, Navy) provide veteran leadership at positions of need.
[*]Jayden Moore (WR, Duke) brings quickness and playmaking ability in the slot.
[*]Matias Garcia (IOL, FIU) and Harold Gammon (QB, Penn State) round out the group, with Garcia adding depth inside and Gammon offering another arm for the quarterback room.

Closing Thoughts

With five 4-stars headlining the high school class and a strong group of transfers, Virginia Tech has assembled a class that not only addresses immediate roster needs but also plants the seeds for long-term growth. The Hokies paired proven national recruits like Tonyan and Carr with developmental prospects like Katula, Mentor, and Darnold, while portal additions bring veteran stability.

It’s a balanced haul that reflects the staff’s clear vision: build through star power, supplement with smart projects, and solidify with experienced 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 Recruits

Dom Tonyan - SS 6'0"/202lbs
National: 94 | State: 2 | Positional: 2
Hometown: Baltimore, MD

:fourstar:Derek Carr - LEDG 6'6"/244lbs
National: 117 | State: 1 | Positional: 15
Hometown: Eldridge, IA

George Feeny - DT 6'3"/303lbs
National: 329 | State: 3 | Positional: 22
Hometown: Fayetteville, AR

Connor Dell - HB 6'1"/196lbs
National: 348 | State: 5 | Positional: 50
Hometown: Baltimore, MD

Terrelle Carswell - REDG 6'4"/243lbs
National: 377 | State: 14 | Positional: 31
Hometown: Highland Springs, VA

Gideon Fumagali - ATH 6'3"/208lbs
National: 555 | State: 21 | Positional: 98
Hometown: Virginia Beach, VA

Trent LaRocque - TE 6'6"/228lbs
National: 587 | State: 2 | Positional: 25
Hometown: Symyrna, DE

Kasey Mentor - QB 6'3"/206lbs
National: 603 | State: 65 | Positional: 39
Hometown: The Villages, FL

Alex Stacy - LT 6'6"/307lbs
National: 752 | State: 21 | Positional: 67
Hometown: Greensboro, NC

Elton Briscoe - MIKE 6'1"/221lbs
National: 802 | State: 23 | Positional: 45
Hometown: Asheville, NC

Akeem Ekuban - CB 5'10"/182lbs
National: 935 | State: 26 | Positional: 65
Hometown: Huntersville, NC

Glen Havner (JUCO) - CB 5'11"/185lbs
National: 982 | State: 13 | Positional: 70
Hometown: Rockville, MD

John Shembo - CB 6'1"/186lbs
National: 1134 | State: 29 | Positional: 85
Hometown: Summerville, SC

Bruce Carver - CB 5'10"/174lbs
National: 1197 | State: 38 | Positional: 91
Hometown: Matthews, NC

Matthew McGary - K 6'3"/192lbs
National: 1358 | State: 117 | Positional: 19
Hometown: Fairburn, GA

Avery Pascoe - FS 6'1"/202lbs
National: 1550 | State: 48 | Positional: 56
Hometown: Virginia Beach, VA

JoJo Darnold - IOL 6'3"/316lbs
National: 1786 | State: 78 | Positional: 83
Hometown: Carencro, LA


Transfer Portal:

Jeff Overton - HB 5'10"/180lbs
National: 46 | State: 5 | Positional: 13
Hometown: Woodbridge, VA
Year: SO
Previous School: Virginia Tech

Kameron Courtney - WR 5'11"/197lbs
National: 113 | State: 6 | Positional: 15
Hometown: Manassas, VA
Year: SR
Previous School: Virginia

Payton Kirkland - OT 6'6"/352lbs
National: 309 | State: 28 | Positional: 7
Hometown: Orlando, FL
Year: JR
Previous School: Georgia Southern

Brian Simms III - LB 6'3"/233lbs
National: 787 | State: 22 | Positional: 20
Hometown: Baltimore, MD
Year: SR
Previous School: Cincinnati

Antonio Tripp Jr. -IOL 6'3"/302lbs
National: 920 | State: 25 | Positional: 16
Hometown: Baltimore, MD
Year: SR
Previous School: Navy

Jayden Moore - WR 5'8"/183lbs
National: 987 | State: 27 | Positional: 112
Hometown: Sykesville, MD
Year: JR
Previous School: Duke

Matias Garcia -IOL 6'2"/298lbs
National: 1167 | State: 127 | Positional: 30
Hometown: Fort Lauderdale, FL
Year: SO
Previous School: FIU

Harold Gammon - QB 6'1"/191lbs
National: 1208 | State: 33 | Positional: 215
Hometown: Washington, MD
Year: FR (RS)
Previous School: Penn State

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Top 10 Transfers Shake Up the Landscape
OFFSEASON TRANSFER PORTAL REPORT

The transfer portal once again reshaped the college football landscape, with some of the nation’s biggest names and brightest talents swapping jerseys. From star quarterbacks finding new homes to defensive playmakers bolstering contender rosters, the 2027 season promises plenty of new storylines.

Top 10 National Transfers

CB Eli Bowen | LSU → Texas
Texas shores up its secondary with Eli Bowen, a steady cover corner bringing SEC-tested experience to Austin.

CB DJ Pickett | Tulane → Georgia
Georgia adds one of the nation’s top defensive backs in Pickett, giving the Bulldogs another shutdown option on the outside.

DT Malik Autry | Auburn → LSU
LSU retools its defensive line by pulling in Autry, a powerful interior lineman who should see immediate snaps in Baton Rouge.

QB CJ Carr | Notre Dame → Michigan
One of the biggest quarterback moves of the offseason. Carr brings polish and playmaking ability to Ann Arbor, where he could be the missing piece for the Wolverines’ offense.

WR Nyziah Hunter | Nebraska → Oregon
Oregon adds speed and explosiveness with Hunter, a vertical weapon expected to thrive in the Ducks’ high-tempo system.

DT Kevin Wynn | Illinois → Miami (FL)
The Hurricanes land a disruptive force up front with Wynn, giving Miami more bite in the trenches.

CB Zabien Brown | USC → Oregon
Oregon doubles up in the portal, pairing Hunter on offense with Brown in the secondary. His coverage skills bring versatility to the Ducks’ defense.

CB Bravion Rogers | Texas A&M → Oklahoma
Oklahoma strengthens its backfield with Rogers, a physical, athletic corner who can match up with the Big 12’s top receivers.

CB Selman Bridges | Arkansas → Oklahoma
The Sooners weren’t done—adding Bridges alongside Rogers to give OU one of the deepest corner tandems in the country.

HB Harlem Berry | LSU → Arizona State
A surprise move as Berry heads west, giving Arizona State a premier talent in the backfield. Expect him to become the focal point of their ground attack.

Virginia Tech Transfer Update

The Hokies experienced some movement of their own this offseason:

QB AJ Brand | Virginia Tech → Tulane
Brand departs Blacksburg for Tulane, seeking a fresh opportunity under center.

HB Jeff Overton | Virginia Tech → Virginia Tech
Overton briefly entered the portal but withdrew, reaffirming his commitment to the Hokies. He’ll return to play a role in the backfield rotation.

LB George Ballance | Virginia Tech → Unsigned
Ballance’s status remains uncertain as he currently sits unsigned following his portal entry.

Scouting Summary

The portal continues to act as college football’s equalizer, with contenders like Georgia, LSU, and Michigan restocking for title pushes while programs like Arizona State and Oregon land potential game-changers. For Virginia Tech, the roster remains largely intact, though AJ Brand’s departure leaves questions at depth behind center.

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Virginia Tech Football Releases 2027 Game-by-Game Schedule Overview
Hokies Ranked #15 in Preseason Polls; Slate Features Key Rivalries and Multiple Ranked Opponents

Blacksburg, VA — Virginia Tech Football has announced its 2027 schedule, which features contests against three preseason Top 25 teams, several high-profile rivalry games, and a balanced selection of home and away matchups.

Week 1 – Liberty at Virginia Tech
The Hokies will commence their season at Lane Stadium by hosting in-state opponent Liberty, aiming to establish early momentum before the home crowd.
Week 2 – Virginia Tech at Tulane
Virginia Tech travels to New Orleans for an early road test against Tulane, a program recognized for disciplined play and a challenging home environment. The game will also see former Hokie AJ Brand competing against his previous team.
Week 3 – Stanford at Virginia Tech (ACC Game)
Conference play begins as Virginia Tech hosts newly joined ACC member Stanford. This marks the inaugural ACC matchup between these two programs at Lane Stadium.
Week 4 – Virginia Tech at SMU (ACC Game)
The Hokies head to Dallas for a second consecutive contest against an ACC newcomer, taking on SMU in what is anticipated to be a dynamic, high-scoring game.
Week 5 – #18 Clemson at Virginia Tech (ACC Game)
An early October highlight sees #18 Clemson visiting Lane Stadium. This marquee matchup will serve as an important metric within the ACC title race.
Week 6 – Virginia Tech at North Carolina (ACC Game)
On the road, Virginia Tech faces North Carolina in a crucial Coastal Division encounter, with significant implications for conference standings historically present in these matchups.
Week 7 – Syracuse at Virginia Tech (ACC Game)
Returning to Lane Stadium, the Hokies host Syracuse in a midseason meeting pivotal to bowl eligibility and ACC rankings.
Week 8 – Virginia Tech at #20 Louisville (ACC Game)
A rigorous away fixture awaits as Virginia Tech visits the preseason #20 Louisville Cardinals, providing a substantial test of the team's fortitude.
Week 9 – #16 Miami at Virginia Tech (ACC Game / Rivalry Game)
One of the season’s premier fixtures, Week 9 features #16 Miami at Lane Stadium. This storied ACC rivalry carries considerable postseason ramifications and is a marquee event in the Hokies' calendar.
Week 10 – Virginia Tech at #25 Notre Dame
Venturing out of conference, the Hokies travel to South Bend to challenge #25 Notre Dame in a nationally prominent matchup likely to influence playoff prospects.
Week 12 – Maryland vs. Virginia Tech (ACC Game)
Following a late-season break, Virginia Tech competes against Maryland in a renewed ACC rivalry, with both teams vying for improved conference positions.
Week 13 – Virginia Tech at Virginia (ACC Game / Rivalry Game)
The regular season concludes with the annual Commonwealth Cup clash in Charlottesville as the Hokies take on archrival Virginia. This finale traditionally carries significant pride, tradition, and postseason stakes, making it one of the most compelling matchups of the year.

Virginia Tech enters the 2028 campaign ranked #15, prepared to capitalise on national attention. With a schedule featuring several ranked teams and classic rivalries, the Hokies are poised for a competitive and impactful season.

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The Quarterback Battle at Virginia Tech: A Storm of Talent and Uncertainty
Analyzing the contenders for Hokies’ starting QB in the upcoming season

Every summer in Blacksburg brings fresh anticipation, but this year, all eyes are locked on one position: quarterback. Virginia Tech enters the new season with depth and talent at signal-caller, yet no clear frontrunner. It’s a rare and intriguing dilemma—veterans, transfers, and rising stars all vying for the keys to Lane Stadium’s offense. The competition is fierce, the scrutiny unrelenting, and the stakes enormous: which quarterback will step forward to lead the Hokies into battle?

The Contenders

[*]William “Pop” Watson III – The Steady Hand
Few embody patience and perseverance like senior William “Pop” Watson III. A veteran of multiple coordinators and countless system tweaks, Watson offers something the others lack—experience. His football IQ allows him to diagnose defenses pre-snap and keep drives alive with smart, calculated throws. Coaches trust his composure; teammates respect his work ethic. Yet critics wonder if steadiness is enough in an era dominated by explosive playmakers. If stability and leadership top the staff’s list, Watson could be the safe bet.

[*]Brock Fredericks – The Wild Card
Nicknamed “Mr. Do It All,” Fredericks is the dual-threat who electrifies crowds with improvisation. He can launch a deep ball one play, then scramble for a chain-moving first down the next. His athleticism stresses defenses and his fire fuels teammates. But unpredictability cuts both ways—risky decisions have stalled drives and sparked turnovers. Harness his flair with discipline, and Fredericks could ignite the Hokies’ attack.

[*]Angel Aviles – The Future in Waiting
A redshirt freshman with a big arm and smooth mobility, Aviles represents upside. A year of development has sharpened his reads and accuracy, and in spring scrimmages he showed flashes of threading passes into impossible windows. The question: is he ready now, or still a year away? If Aviles adapts quickly to the speed of Saturdays, the “future” might arrive sooner than expected.

[*]Harold Gammon – The Transfer with a Chip
Fresh from Penn State, Gammon brings Power Five seasoning and the confidence that comes with it. He has a strong arm, good field vision, and the poise forged in high-level competition. Still, chemistry and scheme fit take time. If he adjusts rapidly to Blacksburg, Gammon could add polish and experience to the mix—an intriguing bridge between veteran steadiness and youthful upside.

[*]Kasey Mentor – The Dark Horse
The true freshman is the wildcard. Mentor’s recruiting tape flashed raw arm talent and athleticism, earning him comparisons to Hokie quarterbacks of old. He’s fearless, improvisational, and hungry to prove himself. While it’s unlikely he starts Week 1, camp surprises happen. If he processes the playbook quickly, he could climb the depth chart faster than expected.

The Decision Ahead

Virginia Tech’s staff faces a delicate balance:

Consistency vs. Explosiveness – Watson’s steadiness against Fredericks’ volatility.

Present vs. Future – Aviles’ potential and Mentor’s raw spark against immediate results.

Familiarity vs. Fresh Perspective – The homegrown veterans against the transfer Gammon’s new energy.

Coaches will weigh reliability, leadership, adaptability, and health above all else. Scrimmages this summer could tip the scales, but don’t expect a rushed decision.

The Stakes

The Hokies’ offense has struggled with inconsistency in recent years, and the margin for error in 2025 is slim. A tough ACC slate and challenging non-conference games demand a quarterback who can do more than manage—he must inspire. Whoever wins the job won’t just call plays; he’ll carry the weight of expectations, tradition, and the roar of Enter Sandman as he leads Virginia Tech onto Lane Stadium’s turf.

Conclusion

This quarterback battle is more than a position competition—it’s a crossroads for Hokie football. Whether it’s the senior wisdom of Watson, the spark of Fredericks, the upside of Aviles, the experience of Gammon, or the raw edge of Mentor, each option presents a different vision of the future. The winner won’t just shape the upcoming season; he’ll etch his name into Virginia Tech lore.

In Blacksburg, the storm is brewing. And soon, one quarterback will emerge from the clouds to lead the maroon and orange beneath the autumn sky.

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