Virginia Tech fans have had an action-packed week, with major developments across multiple sports. From a surprising transfer move in football to standout performances in the NFL Draft and a thrilling softball victory over Cal, Hokie Nation has plenty to celebrate. Here’s a breakdown of the biggest headlines.
### **Shocking Transfer Move in Football**
Virginia Tech made waves in the transfer portal by landing **Elhadj Fall**, a standout defensive tackle from Georgia Southern [A](https://www.si.com/college/virginiatech/virginia-tech-football-virginia-tech-lands-sun-belt-transfer-01jswhkt8n8d?copilot_analytics_metadata=eyJldmVudEluZm9fY2xpY2tTb3VyY2UiOiJjaXRhdGlvbkxpbmsiLCJldmVudEluZm9fY29udmVyc2F0aW9uSWQiOiJ2dWhaWDlYa25yVTVIbUV0Y3RqOVQiLCJldmVudEluZm9fbWVzc2FnZUlkIjoiUlRCeXFzM0t1YkZ6YVVBRzNTQ21rIiwiZXZlbnRJbmZvX2NsaWNrRGVzdGluYXRpb24iOiJodHRwczpcL1wvd3d3LnNpLmNvbVwvY29sbGVnZVwvdmlyZ2luaWF0ZWNoXC92aXJnaW5pYS10ZWNoLWZvb3RiYWxsLXZpcmdpbmlhLXRlY2gtbGFuZHMtc3VuLWJlbHQtdHJhbnNmZXItMDFqc3doa3Q4bjhkIn0%3D&citationMarker=9F742443-6C92-4C44-BF58-8F5A7C53B6F1). Fall, who earned **All-Sun Belt Conference Honorable Mention** recognition last season, brings size and skill to the Hokies’ defensive front. At **6’4″ and 290 pounds**, he has the ability to disrupt opposing offenses and strengthen Virginia Tech’s defensive line. His arrival comes at a crucial time, as the Hokies look to rebuild after losing key defensive players to the NFL Draft.
### **NFL Draft Highlights**
The 2025 NFL Draft was a historic one for Virginia Tech, as **five Hokies** heard their names called, marking the program’s best draft class since 2018 [B](https://www.13newsnow.com/article/news/local/five-hokies-taken-in-2025-nfl-draft/291-f0ddd758-cc96-49e5-9f86-9d197d0d42a2?copilot_analytics_metadata=eyJldmVudEluZm9fY2xpY2tTb3VyY2UiOiJjaXRhdGlvbkxpbmsiLCJldmVudEluZm9fY29udmVyc2F0aW9uSWQiOiJ2dWhaWDlYa25yVTVIbUV0Y3RqOVQiLCJldmVudEluZm9fbWVzc2FnZUlkIjoiUlRCeXFzM0t1YkZ6YVVBRzNTQ21rIiwiZXZlbnRJbmZvX2NsaWNrRGVzdGluYXRpb24iOiJodHRwczpcL1wvd3d3LjEzbmV3c25vdy5jb21cL2FydGljbGVcL25ld3NcL2xvY2FsXC9maXZlLWhva2llcy10YWtlbi1pbi0yMDI1LW5mbC1kcmFmdFwvMjkxLWYwZGRkNzU4LWNjOTYtNDllNS05Zjg2LTlkMTk3ZDBkNDJhMiJ9&citationMarker=9F742443-6C92-4C44-BF58-8F5A7C53B6F1). Running back **Bhayshul Tuten** was the first Hokie off the board, going **104th overall to the Jacksonville Jaguars**. Wide receiver **Jaylin Lane** followed shortly after, landing with the **Washington Commanders at pick 128**.
On the defensive side, cornerback **Dorian Strong** was selected **177th overall by the Buffalo Bills**, while edge rusher **Antwaun Powell-Ryland** and defensive tackle **Aeneas Peebles** were taken back-to-back at **209th and 210th overall**, respectively. The draft results highlight Virginia Tech’s ability to develop NFL-ready talent, reinforcing the program’s reputation for producing elite players.
### **Softball Triumph Over Cal**
Virginia Tech’s softball team delivered a thrilling victory over **Cal**, showcasing resilience and skill in a hard-fought matchup [A](https://www.si.com/college/virginiatech/virginia-tech-football-virginia-tech-lands-sun-belt-transfer-01jswhkt8n8d?copilot_analytics_metadata=eyJldmVudEluZm9fY2xpY2tTb3VyY2UiOiJjaXRhdGlvbkxpbmsiLCJldmVudEluZm9fY29udmVyc2F0aW9uSWQiOiJ2dWhaWDlYa25yVTVIbUV0Y3RqOVQiLCJldmVudEluZm9fbWVzc2FnZUlkIjoiUlRCeXFzM0t1YkZ6YVVBRzNTQ21rIiwiZXZlbnRJbmZvX2NsaWNrRGVzdGluYXRpb24iOiJodHRwczpcL1wvd3d3LnNpLmNvbVwvY29sbGVnZVwvdmlyZ2luaWF0ZWNoXC92aXJnaW5pYS10ZWNoLWZvb3RiYWxsLXZpcmdpbmlhLXRlY2gtbGFuZHMtc3VuLWJlbHQtdHJhbnNmZXItMDFqc3doa3Q4bjhkIn0%3D&citationMarker=9F742443-6C92-4C44-BF58-8F5A7C53B6F1). The Hokies secured the win with clutch performances from their pitching staff and timely hitting. The victory adds momentum to their season as they continue to push for postseason success.
### **Looking Ahead**
With exciting new talent joining the football program, Hokies making their mark in the NFL, and softball delivering key wins, Virginia Tech fans have plenty to look forward to. The program’s continued success across multiple sports highlights the strength and competitiveness of Hokie athletics.
As the season progresses, all eyes will be on Virginia Tech’s teams to see how they build on these recent achievements. Whether it’s new recruits making an impact, former players excelling at the professional level, or current athletes delivering standout performances, Hokie Nation remains a force to be reckoned with.
