BLACKSBURG, Va. — In a surprising offseason twist, Virginia Tech football fans woke up to major news that could reshape the Hokies’ offensive line heading into the 2025 season. Former starting offensive lineman Jamari “Tank” Whitmore officially entered the NCAA transfer portal Monday morning, leaving behind questions, speculation, and a noticeable gap in the trenches for Brent Pry’s squad.
Whitmore, a redshirt junior, started 11 games at left guard during the 2024 season and quickly became a fan favorite thanks to his relentless blocking, leadership in the huddle, and blue-collar work ethic. At 6-foot-5, 318 pounds, Whitmore was often praised for his raw strength, footwork, and ability to neutralize interior pressure — a key component in the Hokies’ improved rushing attack that ranked third in the ACC last season.
Sources close to the program suggest Whitmore’s decision was not based on playing time, but rather a mix of personal considerations and potential NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) opportunities elsewhere. Rumors began swirling weeks ago after Whitmore removed all Virginia Tech-related content from his social media accounts and was seen visiting two SEC programs during spring break.
“It’s definitely a big loss,” said offensive coordinator Tyler Bowen. “Tank’s been a cornerstone for us the last two years. But this is the era we live in now. The portal gives guys freedom, and we respect that. We’ve got young talent stepping up, and we’ll keep moving forward.”
Indeed, Whitmore’s departure opens the door for sophomore Elijah Graves, a high-upside lineman from Georgia who impressed during spring practices. Still, Whitmore’s presence in the locker room and his on-field dominance won’t be easily replaced.
Whitmore has not released a formal statement, but a brief tweet posted Monday read: “Forever thankful, Hokie Nation. Time for the next chapter.” The tweet, accompanied by a highlight reel and the #RespectMyDecision tag, drew a flood of mixed reactions from fans — ranging from well wishes to expressions of frustration.
For Virginia Tech, the timing couldn’t be worse. The offensive line was expected to be a strength heading into summer workouts, and with the opener against Michigan looming in just over four months, continuity will be critical. Pry now faces the challenge of reinforcing depth and perhaps exploring the portal himself for a seasoned replacement.
Analysts believe Whitmore will be one of the most coveted linemen in the portal. His combination of size, experience, and technique makes him a plug-and-play option for top-tier programs. Early speculation ties him to Florida, Texas A&M, and even Penn State — where Pry once served as defensive coordinator.
As the portal era continues to reshape college football, Whitmore’s exit is yet another reminder: in this game, nothing is permanent. Players come and go, but the mission remains — and for Virginia Tech, the 2025 season just got a little more complicated.
