The Hokies just scored a big win on the recruiting trail - and it’s not just about landing a talented player. It’s about momentum, relationships, and a new era in Blacksburg. On Wednesday, Virginia Tech added a major piece to its 2026 recruiting class with the commitment of defensive tackle T-Ron Richardson, a 6-foot-3, 295-pound force out of Hopewell High School in Virginia.
This one’s been a bit of a rollercoaster. Richardson originally committed to Oklahoma back in August, after a summer recruitment that saw heavy interest from multiple Power Five programs.
At the time, Virginia Tech - then under Brent Pry - had been in the mix, hosting Richardson for an official visit in June. But it was the Sooners who ultimately won out.
Then came the coaching change. Two weeks ago, James Franklin took over the reins at Virginia Tech, and he wasted no time making his mark. Franklin, who had also recruited Richardson during his time at Penn State and hosted him for an official visit there, immediately circled back to the big man from Hopewell as a top priority.
Franklin lined up two major recruiting weekends ahead of the early signing period, and Richardson was right at the top of the guest list. Over the weekend, he made his second official visit to Blacksburg - and this time, it stuck.
By Monday, Richardson had decommitted from Oklahoma. Ole Miss made a late push, but in the end, it was the Hokies who sealed the deal.
What made the difference? A combination of Richardson’s comfort in Blacksburg and his growing connection with Franklin, who clearly made a strong impression in a short amount of time.
Now, let’s talk about what Virginia Tech is getting in Richardson. He’s a player who looks ready to contribute the moment he steps on campus.
With a college-ready frame and serious strength, he’s the kind of interior lineman who can anchor a defensive front. He’s been playing both sides of the ball at Hopewell, but make no mistake - he’s headed to Blacksburg to clog lanes and collapse pockets as a defensive tackle.
From a talent perspective, Richardson feels like one of those guys who’s flying under the radar. He’s currently rated as a 3-star prospect, but the tape tells a different story.
His power at the point of attack stands out immediately, and his ability to control the line of scrimmage is already at a high level. Don’t be surprised if his ranking starts to rise as more evaluators take a closer look.
And there’s a little more to this win than just the player. Hopewell High School has been a tough nut to crack for Virginia Tech in recent years.
The program has produced serious talent - including current New England Patriots running back TreVeyon Henderson, who went on to star at Ohio State - but the Hokies haven’t had much luck pulling players from there. Richardson’s commitment could mark a turning point in that relationship.
For Franklin, this is a statement. In just two weeks on the job, he’s already flipped a high-profile recruit from a national power, fended off a late challenger in Ole Miss, and re-established Virginia Tech’s presence at a key in-state program. That’s the kind of early momentum that can set the tone for a new regime.
T-Ron Richardson brings size, strength, and upside to the Hokies’ defensive line - but just as important, he brings a sign that Virginia Tech is ready to compete again on the recruiting trail.