Virginia Tech football is experiencing a significant shift as key players enter the transfer portal and find new homes in the ACC and Big 12. While the Hokies have made notable additions to their roster, they have also seen some impactful departures, reshaping the team’s dynamics heading into the 2025 season.
### **Major Departures in the Transfer Portal**
Two former Virginia Tech players, **Braylon Johnson** and **Bob Schick**, have committed to new programs, marking a major shake-up for the Hokies [A](https://fightinggobbler.com/virginia-tech-football-transfers-find-new-homes-in-the-acc-big-12?copilot_analytics_metadata=eyJldmVudEluZm9fY2xpY2tTb3VyY2UiOiJjaXRhdGlvbkxpbmsiLCJldmVudEluZm9fY29udmVyc2F0aW9uSWQiOiJ2dWhaWDlYa25yVTVIbUV0Y3RqOVQiLCJldmVudEluZm9fbWVzc2FnZUlkIjoiNUNhYlJBYVN2c3hLVVhQVml1YlUyIiwiZXZlbnRJbmZvX2NsaWNrRGVzdGluYXRpb24iOiJodHRwczpcL1wvZmlnaHRpbmdnb2JibGVyLmNvbVwvdmlyZ2luaWEtdGVjaC1mb290YmFsbC10cmFuc2ZlcnMtZmluZC1uZXctaG9tZXMtaW4tdGhlLWFjYy1iaWctMTIifQ%3D%3D&citationMarker=9F742443-6C92-4C44-BF58-8F5A7C53B6F1). Johnson, a talented cornerback, played in Virginia Tech’s **Duke’s Mayo Bowl loss to Minnesota**, where he recorded three tackles. He has decided to remain in the ACC, committing to **Wake Forest**, where he will play under first-year head coach **Jake Dickert**. His return to Blacksburg on **October 4** with Wake Forest will be a highly anticipated matchup.
On the offensive side, Virginia Tech’s **offensive line suffered a major loss** with the departure of **Bob Schick**. Schick, the lone holdover from last year’s offensive line, entered the portal and quickly found a new home at **Oklahoma State** in the Big 12. His move is a significant gain for the Cowboys, as Schick allowed just **one sack in two years** with the Hokies, a remarkable feat given the struggles Virginia Tech’s offensive line has faced in recent seasons [A](https://fightinggobbler.com/virginia-tech-football-transfers-find-new-homes-in-the-acc-big-12?copilot_analytics_metadata=eyJldmVudEluZm9fY2xpY2tTb3VyY2UiOiJjaXRhdGlvbkxpbmsiLCJldmVudEluZm9fY29udmVyc2F0aW9uSWQiOiJ2dWhaWDlYa25yVTVIbUV0Y3RqOVQiLCJldmVudEluZm9fbWVzc2FnZUlkIjoiNUNhYlJBYVN2c3hLVVhQVml1YlUyIiwiZXZlbnRJbmZvX2NsaWNrRGVzdGluYXRpb24iOiJodHRwczpcL1wvZmlnaHRpbmdnb2JibGVyLmNvbVwvdmlyZ2luaWEtdGVjaC1mb290YmFsbC10cmFuc2ZlcnMtZmluZC1uZXctaG9tZXMtaW4tdGhlLWFjYy1iaWctMTIifQ%3D%3D&citationMarker=9F742443-6C92-4C44-BF58-8F5A7C53B6F1).
### **Virginia Tech’s Transfer Portal Strategy**
While the Hokies have lost key players, they have also been active in the transfer portal, working to offset these departures. Head coach **Brent Pry** has focused on bringing in talent to strengthen both the offensive and defensive units. Virginia Tech has already landed **Tomas Rimac**, an **All-Big 12 Honorable Mention** offensive lineman from West Virginia, signaling a commitment to rebuilding the offensive front [B](https://www.si.com/college/virginiatech/football/updated-acc-transfer-portal-rankings-hokies-looking-up-at-the-rest-of-the-acc-as-the-portal-closes-01jg75apvdac?copilot_analytics_metadata=eyJldmVudEluZm9fY2xpY2tTb3VyY2UiOiJjaXRhdGlvbkxpbmsiLCJldmVudEluZm9fY29udmVyc2F0aW9uSWQiOiJ2dWhaWDlYa25yVTVIbUV0Y3RqOVQiLCJldmVudEluZm9fbWVzc2FnZUlkIjoiNUNhYlJBYVN2c3hLVVhQVml1YlUyIiwiZXZlbnRJbmZvX2NsaWNrRGVzdGluYXRpb24iOiJodHRwczpcL1wvd3d3LnNpLmNvbVwvY29sbGVnZVwvdmlyZ2luaWF0ZWNoXC9mb290YmFsbFwvdXBkYXRlZC1hY2MtdHJhbnNmZXItcG9ydGFsLXJhbmtpbmdzLWhva2llcy1sb29raW5nLXVwLWF0LXRoZS1yZXN0LW9mLXRoZS1hY2MtYXMtdGhlLXBvcnRhbC1jbG9zZXMtMDFqZzc1YXB2ZGFjIn0%3D&citationMarker=9F742443-6C92-4C44-BF58-8F5A7C53B6F1).
Despite these additions, Virginia Tech has not been as aggressive in the portal as some of its ACC rivals. Programs like **Florida State, Louisville, North Carolina, Georgia Tech, and Virginia** have signed more transfers, leaving the Hokies looking up at the rest of the conference in terms of portal activity [B](https://www.si.com/college/virginiatech/football/updated-acc-transfer-portal-rankings-hokies-looking-up-at-the-rest-of-the-acc-as-the-portal-closes-01jg75apvdac?copilot_analytics_metadata=eyJldmVudEluZm9fY2xpY2tTb3VyY2UiOiJjaXRhdGlvbkxpbmsiLCJldmVudEluZm9fY29udmVyc2F0aW9uSWQiOiJ2dWhaWDlYa25yVTVIbUV0Y3RqOVQiLCJldmVudEluZm9fbWVzc2FnZUlkIjoiNUNhYlJBYVN2c3hLVVhQVml1YlUyIiwiZXZlbnRJbmZvX2NsaWNrRGVzdGluYXRpb24iOiJodHRwczpcL1wvd3d3LnNpLmNvbVwvY29sbGVnZVwvdmlyZ2luaWF0ZWNoXC9mb290YmFsbFwvdXBkYXRlZC1hY2MtdHJhbnNmZXItcG9ydGFsLXJhbmtpbmdzLWhva2llcy1sb29raW5nLXVwLWF0LXRoZS1yZXN0LW9mLXRoZS1hY2MtYXMtdGhlLXBvcnRhbC1jbG9zZXMtMDFqZzc1YXB2ZGFjIn0%3D&citationMarker=9F742443-6C92-4C44-BF58-8F5A7C53B6F1). However, Pry’s approach appears to be focused on quality over quantity, ensuring that each addition fits the team’s long-term vision.
### **Looking Ahead**
As Virginia Tech prepares for the 2025 season, the impact of these transfers will be closely monitored. The departures of Johnson and Schick create gaps that need to be filled, but the Hokies’ incoming talent offers hope for a competitive season. The matchup against Wake Forest will be particularly intriguing, as Johnson returns to face his former team.
With the transfer portal continuing to shape college football, Virginia Tech’s ability to adapt and recruit effectively will be crucial. Hokie Nation will be watching closely as the team navigates these changes and works to build a roster capable of competing at the highest level. The upcoming season promises to be a defining moment for Virginia Tech football, as the program seeks to balance losses with strategic gains and maintain its standing in the ACC.
