Off To Never Never Land | Virginia Tech Hokies Football

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Virginia Tech Faces Transition After Historic 2027 Run

Season Wrap-Up

Virginia Tech’s 2027 campaign will be remembered as a breakthrough season, even if it ended in heartbreak. The Hokies battled their way to an 12–3 record, reached the ACC Championship Game, and earned a New Year’s Six berth — reestablishing themselves among college football’s elite. Led by a bruising defense, a versatile backfield, and flashes of promise at quarterback, Tech consistently proved it could compete on the national stage.

Though the late-season losses to Clemson and Miami sting, the foundation is clearly in place. With key returners set to anchor the defense and young talent developing on offense, the Hokies look poised to remain a major force in the ACC and beyond.

Virginia Tech 2027 – Season Awards & Key Players

Team MVP – Krystian Williams (SR, DB)
The heart of the Hokies’ defense, Williams capped his career with a decorated season, earning the Chuck Bednarik Award, Bronko Nagurski Trophy, and Jim Thorpe Award. His leadership and ability to lock down opposing receivers set the tone all year.

Defensive Player of the Year – Brian Robledo (SO, LB)
The breakout sophomore MIKE linebacker led Tech in tackles and claimed the Dick Butkus Award, cementing himself as one of the premier defenders in the country.

Offensive Player of the Year – Jeff Overton (JR, RB)
Overton powered the Hokies’ ground game, consistently delivering explosive plays and proving to be the offense’s most reliable weapon. His performance was critical in keeping Tech in tight games.

Freshman Impact – Dom Tonyan (FR, S)
Tonyan emerged as a playmaker in the secondary, recording interceptions in key games and showing the instincts of a future defensive cornerstone.

Unsung Hero – Matthew McGary (JR, K)
From clutch field goals against Tulane to steady special teams production throughout the year, McGary was a quiet but vital contributor in the Hokies’ 12-win campaign.

The Hokies close the book on a memorable 2027 season, one marked by an ACC Championship appearance, individual accolades, and a gritty run to the College Football Playoff. But with success comes turnover, and Virginia Tech heads into 2028 with significant roster changes that will test its depth and development.

Early Departures

The Hokies lose several underclassmen earlier than expected. Halfback Tyler Mason elected to transfer in search of playing time, while veteran wideout Nathan Leacock* declared for the NFL Draft, where he projects as a mid-round selection. Perhaps the most surprising departure was Jayden Moore, who had been projected to step into a starting role in 2028.

Graduating Veterans

Virginia Tech also says goodbye to a wave of proven seniors. On offense, longtime leader QB William Watson III departs, along with top wideouts Kameron Courtney* and Takye Heath*. The trenches lose valuable experience with the graduation of Hannes Hammer, Grant Karczewski, and Antonio Tripp Jr.

The defense, however, takes the heaviest blow. Award-winning defensive tackle Elhadj Fall* — the new ACC all-time sack leader — leaves as a Hokie legend, alongside fellow lineman Jahzari Priester. Linebackers Brian Simms III, Antwone Santiago, and Brody Jones exit after anchoring the second level. On the edge, Taylor Bennett* and Jason Abbey move on, while the secondary loses both starting corners: Thomas Williams* and Krystian Williams*.

Award Winners Departing

Virginia Tech’s 2026 success was fueled by standout performances from its decorated defensive stars:

Elhadj Fall (SR, DT) – Set the ACC all-time sack record and anchored the defensive front.
Krystian Williams (SR, CB) – Claimed the Chuck Bednarik Award, Bronko Nagurski Trophy, and Jim Thorpe Award, sweeping the nation’s top defensive honors.

These achievements underscored Tech’s dominance on that side of the ball, but also magnify the challenge ahead with two of those stars departing.

Looking Ahead

The Hokies will enter 2028 with holes to fill on both sides of the ball, but the foundation remains strong. Young talent, highlighted by linebacker Brian Robledo, will be asked to step into leadership roles. Offensively, a new quarterback era begins, and the coaching staff will lean on fresh playmakers to replace departed production.

Virginia Tech may not carry the same level of veteran leadership into next fall, but the program’s momentum, bolstered by recent recruiting success, suggests the Hokies won’t be fading from the national stage anytime soon.

[Bailey4mvp]

2028 Virginia Tech Recruiting Class Report
Virginia Tech Reloads with Balanced 2028 Recruiting Class and Portal Haul

Blacksburg, VA — Brent Pry and his staff have once again delivered a balanced and nationally competitive class, blending high-upside high school signees with proven veteran transfers. Ranked among the top 25 nationally, the 2028 haul provides both immediate contributors and long-term developmental talent, solidifying Virginia Tech’s rise back into the ACC elite.

Headliners: Blue-Chip Talent in Key Positions

The Hokies struck gold in the secondary, landing Quin Moffett, a 6’1”, 169-pound four-star cornerback from Reno, Nevada. Ranked No. 75 nationally and the No. 6 CB in the country, Moffett is the crown jewel of the class with the potential to be a shutdown presence from day one.

Complementing him is Matthew Cleveland, a 6’1”, 207-pound safety from Lindenhurst, New York. Ranked No. 144 nationally and the No. 4 free safety in the nation, Cleveland brings physicality and range, giving Tech a back-end duo with All-ACC potential.

Offensively, Sidney Maybin, a 5’9”, 169-pound wideout from Indiana, adds quickness and polish. Ranked No. 246 nationally, he projects as a dynamic slot weapon capable of making an early impact.

In the front seven, Amani Fokou, a 6’0”, 238-pound linebacker (No. 249 nationally), and Dwayne Melvin, a 6’4”, 295-pound defensive lineman (No. 315 nationally), give Tech toughness, athleticism, and depth in the trenches — cornerstones of Pry’s defensive philosophy.

Key Additions: Versatility and Depth

The class features several versatile four-stars who fit multiple roles:

• Jacques Davey (ATH, Bradenton, FL) — A 6’3”, 238-pound multipurpose athlete with linebacker/tight end flexibility.
• Kurtis Egan (ATH, Lawrenceville, GA) — A 6’2”, 198-pound athlete with the tools to contribute on offense or defense.
• Kionte Knight (TE, Saint Pauls, NC) — A 6’6”, 218-pound receiving tight end who creates mismatches in the passing game.

Among three-stars, Fredrick DeBose (CB, Stafford, VA) and Stephen Blank (CB, Clifton, VA) reinforce corner depth, while Alex Lutman (ATH, MD) and Timmy Marcus (ATH, MA) offer positional versatility.

Vonn Yusaf (WR, VA) adds quickness, Dalton Lipton (DT, VA) provides power inside, and George Ekuban (EDGE, VA) is a long-term project with intriguing size and athleticism.

Transfer Portal Reinforcements: Experience & Star Power

Virginia Tech was aggressive in the portal, landing four senior four-stars who immediately raise the program’s ceiling:

Jon Reynaud (WR, Cincinnati) — At 6’3”, 209 pounds, the No. 10 WR nationally brings size, experience, and proven production.
Rocco Franco (HB, Notre Dame) — A 6’2”, 225-pound top-five halfback nationally, Franco is a physical runner who can take over the backfield.
Kamron Beavers (EDGE, Ole Miss) — The No. 1 edge defender in the portal at 6’3”, 260, Beavers is a game-changer in the pass rush.
Hardy Watts (OG, Wisconsin) — At 6’5”, 308 pounds, the No. 3 guard nationally provides immediate reinforcement in the trenches.

Depth pieces include Tarik Stanley (REDG, Florida), a powerful rotational edge defender, and Jayden Shipps (CB, Maryland), a 6’1” cover corner with experience and versatility.

Closing Thoughts

The 2028 class underscores Virginia Tech’s ability to win high-profile recruiting battles while leveraging the portal for instant impact players. With seven four-stars among the high school signees and four more from the portal, Pry has stocked the roster with both star power and balance.

Moffett and Cleveland headline a secondary that could define the next era of Hokies defense, Maybin injects explosiveness into the passing game, and the additions of Franco, Beavers, and Watts through the portal give Tech proven stars at critical positions.

This is a statement class — one that provides immediate impact talent, long-term upside, and the depth required to compete for ACC titles and beyond.

High School Recruits

Quin Moffett – CB (4)
6’1” / 169 lbs | National: 75 | State (NV): 2 | Pos (CB): 6
Reno, NV
Elite cover corner with length and quickness. Projects as a future shutdown defender.

Matthew Cleveland – FS (4)
6’1” / 207 lbs | National: 144 | State (NY): 3 | Pos (FS): 4
Lindenhurst, NY
Versatile safety ranked No. 4 nationally at his position. Brings toughness and range.

Sidney Maybin – WR (4)
5’9” / 169 lbs | National: 246 | State (IN): 7 | Pos (WR): 45
West Lafayette, IN
Shifty receiver with explosive speed. A big-play threat from the slot.

Amani Fokou – WILL (4)
6’0” / 238 lbs | National: 249 | State (SC): 4 | Pos (WILL): 24
Greenwood, SC
Physical linebacker with sideline-to-sideline range. Early playing time potential.

Dwayne Melvin – DL (4)
6’4” / 295 lbs | National: 315 | State (NC): 11 | Pos (DL): 18
Mooresville, NC
Powerful defensive lineman with scheme versatility.

Jacques Davey – ATH (4)
6’3” / 238 lbs | National: 316 | State (FL): 46 | Pos (ATH): 22
Bradenton, FL
Athletic, raw talent who could develop on either side of the ball.

Kurtis Egan – ATH (4)
6’2” / 198 lbs | National: 363 | State (GA): 42 | Pos (ATH): 24
Lawrenceville, GA
Versatile playmaker with ball skills. Depth and flexibility piece.

Kionte Knight – TE (4)
6’6” / 218 lbs | National: 384 | State (NC): 13 | Pos (TE): 15
Saint Pauls, NC
Tall, athletic tight end. Mismatch weapon in the passing game.

Fredrick DeBose – CB (3)
6’0” / 177 lbs | National: 448 | State (VA): 8 | Pos (CB): 31
Stafford, VA
Physical corner with solid technique.

Vonn Yusaf – WR (3)
5’9” / 168 lbs | National: 567 | State (VA): 11 | Pos (WR): 109
Smithfield, VA
Speedy receiver who thrives in space.

Timmy Marcus – ATH (3)
6’4” / 207 lbs | National: 700 | State (MA): 11 | Pos (ATH): 137
District Heights, MA
Long, projectable athlete with multiple position fits.

Stephen Blank – CB (3)
6’0” / 162 lbs | National: 790 | State (VA): 16 | Pos (CB): 52
Clifton, VA
Quick, instinctive defender.

Alex Lutman – ATH (3)
5’10” / 182 lbs | National: 815 | State (MD): 13 | Pos (ATH): 99
District Heights, MD
Compact athlete with versatility and special teams value.

Dalton Lipton – DT (3)
5’10” / 182 lbs | National: 966 | State (VA): 21 | Pos (DT): 52
Chantilly, VA
High-motor defensive tackle with rotational upside.

George Ekuban – EDGE (3)
6’6” / 224 lbs | National: 1720 | State (VA): 32 | Pos (EDGE): 132
Chantilly, VA
Lengthy edge defender with developmental upside.

Transfer Portal Additions

Jon Reynaud – WR (4, SR)
6’3” / 209 lbs | National: 34 | State (PA): 3 | Pos (WR): 10
Harrison City, PA | Prev: Cincinnati
Big-bodied, polished receiver ready to contribute immediately.

Rocco Franco – HB (4, SR)
6’2” / 225 lbs | National: 38 | State (FL): 4 | Pos (HB): 5
Apopka, FL | Prev: Notre Dame
Powerful workhorse back with proven production.

Kamron Beavers – EDGE (4, SR)
6’3” / 260 lbs | National: 43 | State (MS): 1 | Pos (EDGE): 1
Bay Springs, MS | Prev: Ole Miss
Top-ranked edge defender in the portal. All-ACC potential.

Hardy Watts – OG (4, SR)
6’5” / 308 lbs | National: 50 | State (MA): 1 | Pos (OG): 3
Boston, MA | Prev: Wisconsin
Dominant interior lineman who adds size and toughness.

Tarik Stanley – EDGE (3, SR)
6’4” / 253 lbs | National: 325 | State (DE): 2 | Pos (EDGE): 18
Washington, DE | Prev: Florida
Steady veteran edge rusher who strengthens depth.

Jayden Shipps – CB (3, JR)
6’1” / 187 lbs | National: 549 | State (MD): 12 | Pos (CB): 50
Severn, MD | Prev: Maryland
Experienced corner with size and technique.

[Bailey4mvp]

Top 10 Transfers Shake Up the Landscape
OFFSEASON TRANSFER PORTAL REPORT

The transfer portal once again took center stage this offseason, with star quarterbacks, elite defenders, and impact playmakers making moves that could reshape the upcoming season. Here’s a look at the biggest names on the move and how Virginia Tech fared in the cycle.

Top 10 National Transfers

QB Eli Russ | Colorado → Nebraska
Nebraska secures a new field general in Eli Russ, whose arm talent and leadership could elevate the Cornhuskers’ offense immediately.

QB Bryce Baker | Missouri → Michigan
Michigan reloads at quarterback, adding Baker to an already talented roster. His accuracy and poise make him a strong contender to win the starting job.

CB Charles Lester III | Florida → Miami (FL)
The Hurricanes bolster their secondary with Lester, an elite cover man capable of shadowing top receivers in the ACC.

QB Bryce Underwood | Michigan → Clemson
One of the shockers of the cycle. Underwood departs Ann Arbor for Clemson, giving the Tigers a proven dual-threat QB to lead their offense.

OG Mitchell Hawkins | Illinois → Missouri
Missouri upgrades the trenches with Hawkins, a powerful interior lineman who will be a cornerstone for the Tigers’ offensive line.

OG Chauncey Gooden | Colorado → Miami (FL)
Miami doubles down in the portal, adding Gooden to strengthen its offensive front. His size and mobility fit perfectly with the Hurricanes’ ground game.

TE Linkon Cure | Kansas State → Ole Miss
Ole Miss grabs one of the portal’s top tight ends in Cure, a mismatch weapon who should thrive in Lane Kiffin’s system.

FS D’Angelo Wing | Purdue → Louisville
Louisville gets a leader on the back end with Wing. His range and instincts give the Cardinals a defensive anchor in the secondary.

QB Ty Hawkins | Houston → LSU
LSU finds its next quarterback in Hawkins, a dynamic talent who could open up the playbook for the Tigers’ offense.

WR Daylon Singelton | SMU → Florida
Florida adds speed and explosiveness with Singelton, a wideout capable of stretching defenses vertically.

Virginia Tech Transfer Update

HB Tyler Mason | Virginia Tech → Kansas State
The Hokies lose a versatile back in Mason, whose departure leaves a hole in the rotation. Kansas State gains a proven runner with big-play ability.

WR Jayden Moore | Virginia Tech → Kentucky
Moore heads to the SEC, transferring to Kentucky after showing flashes of potential in Blacksburg. His move trims Virginia Tech’s receiver depth chart heading into the fall.

Scouting Summary

Nationally, quarterbacks dominated the transfer headlines, with Eli Russ, Bryce Baker, and Bryce Underwood each set to reshape the outlook for Nebraska, Michigan, and Clemson, respectively. Miami was one of the cycle’s biggest winners, landing both a premier cornerback and a top interior lineman.

For Virginia Tech, the portal taketh more than it giveth this offseason, with Tyler Mason and Jayden Moore both departing for Power Five destinations. While the Hokies retain much of their core, their offensive depth will face early tests in 2027.

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Virginia Tech Football Releases 2027 Game-by-Game Schedule Overview
Hokies Enter the Season Ranked #9 in Preseason Polls

Blacksburg, VA — The #9 Virginia Tech Hokies have announced their 2027 football schedule, a slate that features multiple Top 25 matchups, key conference tests, and rivalry games certain to shape the national picture.

Week 0 – #9 Virginia Tech at #20 Notre Dame
The Hokies open the season in South Bend in a Top 25 showdown with #20 Notre Dame, immediately testing themselves against a storied program on national television.

Week 1 – Liberty at #9 Virginia Tech
Virginia Tech returns to Lane Stadium for its home opener against in-state foe Liberty, aiming to build momentum before diving into the heart of the schedule.

Week 2 – #9 Virginia Tech at Old Dominion
A road trip to Norfolk brings another Virginia matchup, as the Hokies look to stay sharp against Old Dominion in a traditionally tricky early-season contest.

Week 3 – #9 Virginia Tech at South Carolina
The Hokies face their second SEC opponent in three weeks, traveling to Columbia for a challenging matchup that will test their depth and physicality.

Week 4 – Louisville at #9 Virginia Tech (ACC Game)
ACC play begins as Louisville visits Lane Stadium. The matchup could prove pivotal in shaping early conference standings.

Week 5 – #9 Virginia Tech at Wake Forest (ACC Game)
Virginia Tech heads to Winston-Salem for its first ACC road contest of the year, taking on a Wake Forest squad known for its disciplined style of play.

Week 6 – #9 Virginia Tech at Pittsburgh (ACC Game)
The Hokies continue their conference road stretch in Pittsburgh, with a game that often proves to be a physical battle in the ACC slate.

Week 8 – #24 Florida State at #9 Virginia Tech (ACC Game)
Lane Stadium hosts one of the most anticipated games of the season as the Hokies clash with #24 Florida State, a matchup carrying both conference and national significance.

Week 9 – #9 Virginia Tech at Stanford (ACC Game)
Virginia Tech travels west to face Stanford in a cross-country ACC battle, testing the team’s stamina and focus deep into the season.

Week 10 – SMU at #9 Virginia Tech (ACC Game)
Back in Blacksburg, the Hokies welcome SMU, another of the ACC’s newest members, in a matchup expected to showcase offensive firepower.

Week 11 – #9 Virginia Tech at #3 Miami (ACC Game / Rivalry Game)
One of the premier games on the national calendar takes place in Coral Gables as the Hokies battle rival #3 Miami. With playoff implications on the line, this game will be a defining moment in the season.

Week 13 – Virginia at #9 Virginia Tech (ACC Game / Rivalry Game)
The Commonwealth Cup closes the regular season as Virginia Tech hosts archrival Virginia. Beyond tradition and state pride, postseason stakes will once again hang in the balance.

Virginia Tech enters the 2028 season ranked #9, positioned for a run at both the ACC Championship and College Football Playoff contention.

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[redsox907]

Notre Dame off the jump is tough, but will be a good measuring stick game. Looking at the stats from last year, gotta hope for more production in the passing game to get over the hump imo. Franco was a great addition to compliment Overton tho

[Caesar]

Very good recruiting class this offseason. You'll definitely be a favorite to make the CFP this year