When James Franklin was hired as football coach at Virginia Tech, one of his first comments was about retaining what he could from the 2025 roster built by former coach Brent Pry. Several key players announced their intentions to return.
Running backs Marcellous Hawkins and freshman Jeffrey Overton, Jr., are both returning, giving Franklin a very good start to the running back room for new coach Norval McKenzie. Also coming in is Class of 2026 star Messiah Mickens.
As far as the wide receivers go, all eyes were on Ayden Greene, who has been getting better and better with each passing season.