Just when it seemed like Virginia Tech had wrapped up its work in the transfer portal, the Hokies added another key piece to their 2026 puzzle - and this one comes with Power Five experience and a high motor off the edge.
Defensive lineman Samuel Okunlola, most recently with Colorado, is headed to Blacksburg. The former three-star recruit out of Thayer Academy (Brockton, MA) brings with him a blend of production, versatility, and untapped potential that could make a real impact on the Hokies’ defensive front.
Okunlola’s college journey has already taken him through two major programs. He began his career at Pittsburgh, where he played in 15 games across two seasons. During that stretch, he posted 18 tackles, six tackles for loss, five sacks, a forced fumble, and a fumble recovery - solid numbers for a young edge rusher finding his footing in the ACC.
He transferred to Colorado ahead of the 2025 season, looking for a bigger role and a fresh start. And early on, it looked like he found it.
In 2024, Okunlola played in all 13 games for the Buffaloes, starting 10 of them. He finished third on the team in pressures with 23, showcasing the kind of burst and disruption that defensive coordinators covet.
He totaled 31 tackles, including seven for loss and three sacks - production that speaks to both his ability to win off the snap and finish plays in the backfield.
Unfortunately, his 2025 campaign was cut short before it ever really got going. Okunlola logged just 33 defensive snaps in the season opener against Georgia Tech before a shoulder injury sidelined him for the rest of the year.
It was a tough break, especially after the momentum he built the year prior. That injury, however, opens the door for a potential medical hardship waiver in 2027, though for now, he arrives in Blacksburg with one year of eligibility remaining.
For Virginia Tech, this is a savvy late addition. Okunlola brings proven production in multiple Power Five systems, and he fits the Hokies’ need for experienced pass rushers who can step in and contribute immediately. He’s shown he can get after the quarterback and hold up against the run, and if he’s fully healthy, he could be a difference-maker in the rotation.
It’s another example of how the transfer portal continues to reshape rosters deep into the offseason. For the Hokies, Okunlola isn’t just depth - he’s a potential starter with a chip on his shoulder and something to prove.