Virginia Tech’s first game under James Franklin may come against VMI, but the recruiting spotlight around Lane Stadium is anything but small.
Franklin’s debut on Saturday night has turned into a major on-campus draw, with a long list of prospects telling 247Sports they plan to be there for the sold-out opener. The crowd includes a mix of top targets, in-state priorities and younger names the Hokies are trying to get involved with early.
Among the biggest headliners is top 100 edge rusher Cam Toomey of Saratoga Springs (N.Y.) High.
He has a strong connection with Franklin and several members of the coaching and support staff from their Penn State days, and he’ll be on hand for the game. Toomey also has visits lined up for Penn State, Notre Dame, Kentucky and Tennessee, while Ole Miss, Alabama, Texas A&M and Auburn are working to schedule trips.
Another major name is Leesburg (Va.) Loudon Sports Academy top 100 receiver Malachi Lee, who is making his return to campus. Texas A&M and Michigan are the other two programs he wants to visit this fall.
Virginia Tech will also have a heavy in-state presence. At Roanoke (Va.)
Catholic, committed receiver Demarcus Brown is expected, along with offensive tackle Devan Reed, a priority target for the Hokies, and running back Kamharie Steelman, whom Virginia Tech offered in January. Danville (Va.)
George Washington offensive tackle Kyan Reaves, who was offered during a mid-March spring practice visit, is also coming back.
Virginia Beach (Va.) Green Run will send a pair of edge rushers in Junious Clay and Qwayvon Cleveland.
Cleveland is the No. 5 player in Virginia in the class, and he also plays basketball. Suffolk (Va.)
King’s Fork offensive tackle Alvin Holland, previously reported as expected, will also be there.
The out-of-state offer list is just as busy. Greenville (S.C.)
Powdersville tight end Riggs Savage, who attended HokieFest camp in June, is returning after being offered in May. Charlotte (N.C.)
South Mecklenburg offensive lineman Brendan Hall will make his third visit in less than six months after a spring practice trip in late March and a June 1 camp appearance.
Port Charlotte (Fla.) High receiver Jaylen Francis is another important visitor.
Virginia Tech offered him in mid-May, and the Hokies want the chance to make a stronger impression. North Carolina and Penn State are also among his other Power Four offers.
Four-star cornerback Nate Dollard of Charlotte (N.C.) Providence Day is back on campus after an early June visit, and his teammate, defensive lineman Charles Ibe, will be there too.
The list also includes previously reported names such as top 100 athlete Dion Edwards of Chattanooga (Tenn.) Tyner, Nashville (Tenn.)
Christ Presbyterian Academy receiver Gabriel Cabell and tight end Wright Martin, Asheville (N.C.) High offensive tackle Brenton Miller, and Springfield (Ga.)
Effingham County defensive lineman Robert Brown.
Virginia Tech is also working on the future. The staff’s attention stretches into the 2029 class and even 2030, with early relationships seen as part of the larger push, especially in the Carolinas.
Rock Hill (S.C.) Northwestern linebacker Dash Holley is coming after receiving an offer last week.
He also holds offers from Colorado, North Carolina and Cincinnati.
Class of 2030 cornerback Mason Chadwick of Oradell (N.J.) Bergen Catholic will be in attendance as well. He already knows the Hokies, and his brother, defensive back Cam Chadwick, transferred from UConn to Virginia Tech in the winter.
The commitment list is deep too. Expected on campus are Paramus (N.J.)
Catholic cornerback Austin Barrett, College Park (Ga.) Woodward cornerback Bryce Woods, Richmond (Va.)
Benedictine tight end Sam Faniel, Brown, Arlington (Texas) Martin running back Javian Jones-Priest, Savannah (Ga.) Benedictine Military running back Stanley Smart, Rolesville (N.C.)
High receiver Anthony Roberts, top 100 tight end Jordan Karhoff of Columbus (Ohio) St. Francis de Sales, Jacksonville (Ala.)
Pleasant Valley tight end Braxton Salster Junior Saunders Kaden Buchanan.
In Other News...
Virginia Tech Just Invited A Lane Stadium Debate Fans Will Feel
Virginia Tech is bringing a new look to Lane Stadium this fall, and it is the kind of change that will spark opinions long before kickoff. The school announced its first-ever corporate sponsor logo on Worsham Field, with Virginia Credit Union set to appear between the 20- and 30-yard lines as part of a broader partnership that also includes a charitable element tied to Hokies first downs this season.
The move puts Virginia Tech in line with a growing trend around the ACC, as the Hokies become the 14th league school to feature an on-field corporate sponsor in its football stadium. For a fan base that takes pride in the atmosphere and identity of Lane Stadium, the sight lines will now come with a new conversation about tradition, revenue and where the line should be drawn. [Read more 🡒]
Virginia Tech Gets Early Clarity But Two Key Questions Remain
Virginia Tech got a little early-season clarity after practice ahead of the opener against VMI, with head coach James Franklin confirming Ethan Grunkemeyer as the starting quarterback. Franklin also said Bryce Baker is currently ahead in the battle for the backup job, giving the Hokies a clearer picture under center as they move toward game week and try to settle the depth chart in the final stretch before kickoff.
There were a few other notable updates as well. Linebacker George Ballance will wear No. 25 for the entire season and handle special teams captain duties, while safety Smith will sit out the opener because of NCAA acclimation rules. Smith could still become a factor later on, depending on how the eligibility side of things plays out, which leaves Virginia Tech with one more roster question to keep watching even after the quarterback situation has started to take shape. [Read more 🡒]
Virginia Tech Now Has A Rivalry Threat Worth Watching Closely
Beau Pribula gave Virginia Tech a reminder of what a modern quarterback can do when he is operating at full throttle, using both his arm and his legs to stress NC State throughout the game. The dual-threat profile was on display in a way the Hokies have to respect, because it forces a defense to defend every inch of the field and can tilt a matchup before it ever settles into a rhythm.
For Virginia Tech, that kind of threat is worth filing away as the schedule tightens and the bigger games come into view. The broader college football picture is always shifting with transfers, coaching changes and weekly surprises, but performances like this are the ones that can change how a rivalry feels when the teams meet again. [Read more 🡒]