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Turbulence in Blacksburg: Two More Hokies Enter Transfer Portal Amid Coaching Shift
Blacksburg, VA — The winds of change continue to whip through Lane Stadium as two more Virginia Tech football players have officially entered the NCAA transfer portal, sending ripples across the Hokie Nation. Junior wide receiver DeMarcus “D-Mac” Finley and redshirt sophomore linebacker Jalen Rowe submitted their intent late Monday evening, marking the sixth and seventh scholarship players to explore departure options since the end of spring camp.
The announcement, while not entirely unexpected, signals deeper unrest within a program grappling with identity and instability. Sources close to the team suggest friction between the players and new offensive coordinator, Coach Brian Lattimore, whose fast-tempo scheme has alienated some veterans used to a more methodical play style.
DeMarcus Finley, a 6’2″ deep threat from Charlotte, North Carolina, finished last season with 31 receptions for 487 yards and five touchdowns. He was widely projected to be the Hokies’ leading returning receiver in 2025. A three-star recruit turned team leader, Finley voiced frustration in recent weeks over what he described as a “lack of clarity” in the new system. Though he remained professional in public appearances, team insiders revealed Finley was increasingly isolated in meetings and had stopped attending voluntary workouts as early as mid-March.
Jalen Rowe, meanwhile, had finally cracked the starting lineup in 2024 after two injury-plagued seasons. Known for his downhill tackling and field awareness, the Georgia native posted 62 total tackles and three forced fumbles last year. His departure comes as a surprise to some teammates, but others cited Rowe’s open criticism of the staff’s conditioning program, particularly during the grueling spring slate, as a factor in his decision.
“It’s a tough day,” Head Coach Brent Pry said in a brief post-practice press conference. “We support our guys no matter what path they take. DeMarcus and Jalen are talented young men, and we wish them nothing but success moving forward.”
However, whispers from the locker room paint a more complicated picture. One assistant, speaking on condition of anonymity, acknowledged growing anxiety over player retention. “Morale’s shaky,” he admitted. “There’s a lot of uncertainty. Some guys are bought in, but others aren’t sure where this program’s heading.”
Recruiting analysts are already revising depth charts and speculating on replacements, but the loss of two key contributors is likely to affect Virginia Tech’s competitiveness this fall. Incoming freshman receiver Tayeon Ricks and JUCO linebacker Max Bello may see earlier playing time than expected, though both are unproven at the Power Five level.
As the transfer portal window closes in a matter of weeks, all eyes are on Blacksburg. Will more Hokies follow Finley and Rowe out the door? Or will Pry and his staff steady the ship before the 2025 season opener against Tennessee?
For now, the only certainty is uncertainty—and a fan base growing restless as one of the ACC’s proudest programs navigates yet another crossroads.
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