Justin Terry is heading to Blacksburg, and he’s bringing some serious upside with him.
The 6-foot-5, 324-pound offensive lineman is transferring to Virginia Tech, reuniting with his former position coach Matt Moore. It’s a move that makes a lot of sense on multiple levels - for both player and program. Terry’s journey has already taken him through two Power Five programs, and while he’s still early in his college career, there’s plenty to like about what he brings to the Hokies.
Terry started his college football path at West Virginia, where he redshirted his freshman season. That year off the field gave him time to develop physically and mentally without burning a year of eligibility - a smart move for a lineman still growing into his frame.
But after the 2024 season, when both head coach Neal Brown and offensive line coach Matt Moore departed Morgantown, Terry hit the transfer portal looking for a fresh start. Virginia Tech, having just hired Moore, made a push - but Terry ultimately chose Ohio State.
Even in limited action with the Buckeyes, Terry showed flashes of what he could become. He played 57 snaps across six games at right tackle and didn’t allow a single quarterback pressure, according to Pro Football Focus.
That’s not just solid - that’s elite-level pass protection in a conference known for its defensive fronts. It’s also consistent with what he showed in high school, where he wrapped up his senior season without allowing a sack and notched 26 pancake blocks.
That kind of dominance up front doesn’t go unnoticed.
After the 2025 season, Terry entered the portal once again. This time, with Moore now firmly in place on the Hokies’ staff under new head coach James Franklin, Virginia Tech emerged as the clear fit. The familiarity with Moore, combined with the opportunity to compete for playing time on a young offensive line, made the Hokies an ideal landing spot.
Terry hails from Pickerington Central High School in Ohio, a strong program that regularly produces Division I talent. As a high school recruit, he was a three-star prospect with more than 10 offers and earned honorable mention All-State honors as a senior. He also landed on the All-District and All-Capital Ohio Conference Buckeye Division first teams - accolades that speak to both his talent and consistency.
And while he’s currently unrated as a transfer, that doesn’t tell the full story. Terry still has three years of eligibility remaining, and he’s already logged reps in one of the most competitive environments in college football. Add in his size, athleticism, and experience working with Moore, and he’s exactly the kind of player who could anchor a line for years to come.
Recruiting rankings and transfer ratings aside, offensive line play is all about development, chemistry, and trust - and Terry checks all the boxes. He’s a physical, downhill blocker who’s been described as a “mauler in the run game,” and he arrives at Virginia Tech with both the tools and the familiarity to make an immediate impact.
For a Hokies team looking to build something sustainable in the trenches, this is a big-time addition.