In today’s college football landscape, roster retention has become just as important as recruiting. With the transfer portal set to swing open next week, programs across the country are bracing for movement - both in and out. But in Blacksburg, Virginia Tech is getting a head start on solidifying its foundation under new head coach James Franklin.
Gone are the days when a player committed to a school and fans could count on seeing them in the same jersey for three to five years. Now, each offseason brings a new round of “will they stay or will they go?” And in this new era of college football, public announcements about returning for another season have become the norm - and, in some cases, a much-needed morale boost for fan bases.
This week, the Hokies have been busy on that front. Several players have taken to social media to confirm they’re sticking around for another year in maroon and orange. These declarations are more than just formalities - they’re signals of stability for a program entering a new chapter under Franklin.
While the confirmed returnees are already giving Hokie Nation something to smile about, all eyes are on a handful of high-impact players who’ve yet to make their decisions public. Running back Marcellous Hawkins and defensive tackle Kemari Copeland headline that group.
Both are legitimate NFL prospects and could be weighing whether to take that next step now or run it back for one more year in college. Either way, their choices will have major implications on Virginia Tech’s outlook for 2026.
Tight end Benji Gosnell, wide receivers Ayden Greene and Keylen Adams, linebackers Noah Chambers and Gabe Williams, safety Quentin Reddish, and cornerback Jojo Crim are also names Hokie fans are hoping to see back in Lane Stadium next fall. Several of these players would be hot commodities in the portal if they chose to explore their options, so their decisions will be closely watched not just in Blacksburg, but across the country.
For Franklin and his staff, this stretch is about more than just retaining talent - it’s about setting the tone. Building a culture, stabilizing the roster, and keeping key contributors in-house are all part of the early blueprint. And while the portal will inevitably bring some departures, every confirmed return is a win - not just on the field, but in the locker room and in the message it sends to future recruits.
Stay tuned. The list of returnees is growing, and with the portal opening soon, the next few weeks will be telling. But for now, Virginia Tech is doing what it needs to do: keeping its core intact and giving fans reason to believe that better days are on the horizon.