Virginia Tech’s cornerback room looks a lot different heading into fall camp, and that’s exactly why it has become one of the most interesting parts of the Hokies’ defense.
After the 2025 season, the secondary was overhauled. But even with all that turnover, Virginia Tech has managed to build real depth at cornerback for 2026 by mixing portal additions with younger players still developing in the background.
The headliner right now is East Carolina transfer Isaiah Brown-Murray, who has emerged as the slight favorite to be CB1. Brown-Murray is more than just a newcomer with a familiar face; he already started 12 games for the Hokies in 2025 and finished with 39 tackles, five pass breakups and an interception. He also returns as one of the most experienced players on the roster, with more than 1,400 defensive snaps under his belt and strong coverage grades that make him one of Virginia Tech’s most proven portal additions.
On the other side, Troy transfer Jaquez White looks set to claim the other starting outside corner spot. White is entering his final college season and brings the kind of experience that matters when ACC receivers start testing a secondary. Brown-Murray may get more of the preseason buzz because of his return to Virginia Tech, but White’s steadiness could end up being just as important for a defense that is trying to replace multiple starters.
The room’s depth is what really stands out. Joshua Clarke is back after missing all of 2025 with an injury, and Thomas Williams, Cam Chadwick Jr., Jojo Crim and Jahmari DeLoatch all add more competition as camp begins. Freshmen Amauri Polydor and Zaevion Cleveland give the Hokies future options, even if earning snaps right away may be tough in such a crowded group.
The biggest issue isn’t whether Virginia Tech has enough bodies. It’s whether all those pieces can come together quickly.
With so many newcomers expected to play, communication and continuity will be tested early. Cornerback is already one of the hardest positions to pick up fast, and in a new defensive system, the work with the safeties becomes even more important.
That could mean some growing pains at the start of the season before the group settles in.
Even so, there’s plenty of reason for optimism. Brown-Murray has already shown he can produce as an ACC starter, White brings another layer of experience, and the younger players behind them give the room a higher ceiling. Put it all together, and Virginia Tech has a cornerback group that should be deeper than it was a year ago.
If the newcomers settle in and the chemistry comes together early, the Hokies could again have one of the ACC’s better secondaries. The room is young in spots, but it has enough talent, experience and competition to make this transition look a lot smoother than many expected.
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