JUST IN: Half a Dozen Virginia Tech Players Earn Athlon Sports Preseason All-ACC Honors, Signaling a Resurgent Season for the Hokies
Blacksburg, VA – July 13, 2025
A surge of excitement has hit Lane Stadium and the heart of Hokie Nation as six Virginia Tech football players have been named to the 2025 Athlon Sports Preseason All-ACC Teams. In a display of both talent and depth, the selections span both sides of the ball, reinforcing growing optimism that this could be the program’s most formidable squad in nearly a decade.
Head Coach Brent Pry, now entering his fourth season at the helm, called the announcement “a testament to how far this team has come and how high we’re aiming.” The recognition places Virginia Tech in elite company heading into the fall, fueling expectations for a serious run at the ACC Championship.
The Honorees
Leading the list is senior linebacker Jaylen Stroman, named to the All-ACC First Team. The 6’1”, 220-pound defensive captain has been a relentless force in the middle, recording 117 tackles and 4 forced fumbles last season. His leadership and sideline-to-sideline speed make him one of the most feared defenders in the conference.
On offense, Bhayshul Tuten, the explosive junior running back, earned a spot on the Second Team after racking up 1,320 rushing yards and 15 touchdowns in 2024. His blend of agility, vision, and breakaway speed turned him into a highlight machine — and the centerpiece of the Hokies’ run-heavy attack.
Joining him on the Second Team is Dae’Quan Wright, the athletic tight end whose sure hands and versatile blocking ability make him a dual threat. Wright hauled in 52 catches for 671 yards and 6 touchdowns, earning comparisons to some of the NFL’s most dynamic hybrid tight ends.
Rising sophomore offensive tackle Xavier Chaplin was named to the Third Team, a massive honor for the 6’6”, 330-pound lineman who started every game as a freshman and allowed just one sack in 13 games.
On the defensive line, Cole Nelson, a senior edge rusher, secured a spot on the Fourth Team after posting 9.5 sacks and 17 tackles for loss last season. His quick first step and motor make him a nightmare for opposing quarterbacks.
Rounding out the group is John Love, the reliable kicker who earned Fourth Team honors. Love went 21-for-24 on field goals last season, including a pair of clutch game-winners against Pitt and North Carolina.
A Rising Program
The recognition from Athlon Sports is more than individual accolades — it’s a signal that Virginia Tech is on the cusp of returning to national prominence. The Hokies finished 9–4 in 2024, including an upset win over Clemson and a bowl victory over Wisconsin, their best season since 2017.
Coach Pry praised the honorees for setting the tone both on and off the field. “These players have worked relentlessly, not just to elevate their game, but to elevate this program. This is only the beginning.”
Eyes on the Prize
With a strong preseason ranking, a returning core of elite talent, and six players now stamped with preseason All-ACC honors, the Hokies are poised to enter the 2025 season with momentum and belief. The team opens against Old Dominion at Lane Stadium in what is expected to be a sold-out, high-energy showdown.
“This recognition is humbling,” said Stroman after practice. “But we’re not here for individual trophies. We’re here for an ACC title — and more.”
The road ahead won’t be easy, with showdowns against Florida State, Miami, and Notre Dame looming. But for the first time in years, Virginia Tech isn’t just in the conversation — they’re commanding it.
Hokie Nation, get ready. The climb is over. The rise begins now.
