The Philadelphia Eagles drafted Hokie Antwaun Powell-Ryland this year, Macho Harris in the past, and are always looking to add to their QB factory. With that in mind, they could be intrigued by another VT player in 2026 to bolster their roster and develop.
Virginia Tech has a vastly different roster heading into 2025 than it did in 2024, including the addition of THIRTY portal transfers.
As always, they will be a team to follow, with many positions open for new faces to rise to the top, take over the jobs, and increase their draft value in 2025.
Virginia Tech Hokies who could interest the Eagles in 2026
Consensus With Draftable Grades Heading into the Season
Kyron Drones, QB, 6’4 235
In a perfect world, he could be a top 7 or 8 QB in the 2026 NFL Draft. The dual-threat QB has upside thanks to his above-average field vision, while being mobile in and out of the pocket. He’s been dealing with an injury and was on a pitch count this spring.
New VA Tech OC, Phillip Montgomery, will also play a role in his success. He needs the reps with that new offense, but football is in his DNA, with his cousin being none other than Cam Ward.
Kyron Drones is sitting out the rest of the spring due to a minor medical procedure. There is no word on what the injury was or if this is connected to the injuries he suffered in 2024.
There are a lot of new faces on the offensive line, and Drones will have to learn a new offense in addition to trusting the protection. He has demonstrated that he has the ability to be great, as evidenced by his performance against Miami last season. He needs to stay healthy, be consistent, and improve his accuracy on deep balls.
Terion Stewart RB, 5’9 220
A portal transfer from Bowling Green, who will likely be, at the least, one half of the Bhayshul Tuten role, who was very successful in the Hokie offense. He will be competing against Braydon Bennett for the ball, but whoever gets the lion’s share of the starting job will find 1,000 yards and 10 TDs attainable.
Stewart is a strong, powerful runner who has improved year after year and could be on the cusp of a breakout in Blacksburg. He has the potential to take the ball to the house every time he touches it and has some of his best performances versus top talent. He has shown excellent balance and a strong core, which assists him in breaking tackles. If he can stay healthy, Stewart’s downhill running style could be leaned on to be a lead back for Virginia Tech.
Dante Lovett — Defensive Back, 6’0 190
Tech’s starting corner, Dorian Strong, is now with the Buffalo Bills, and Mansoor Delane transferred to LSU, which positions Lovett to be CB1 in 2025. Lovett has above-average ball skills, demonstrated agility, quick feet, good recovery, and fluid hips. His ability to recognize routes and bully receivers to the sideline is a strong part of his game. Some have wondered if he could be better suited for a move to safety, which would utilize his strength and tackling prowess. Dante has the opportunity to prove he can compete against the opposing team’s best receiver this season.
Kelvin Gilliam DT
A former Oklahoma tackle, who shows off in hand-to-hand combat, Gilliam uses his strong upper body to maintain leverage and shed blockers. Kelvin gets the most from his talent by being a high-effort/motor guy.
While raw, his traits and skill set are above average, and he can benefit from coaching and another year honing his craft. Once he adds to his pass-rushing repertoire, his closing ability will take his game to new heights.
Special teams
John Love, Kicker
Love made every extra point in 2024 and is a perfect 89 for 89 in his career. Love was 16 of 18 on field goals, including 5 of 5 from 40–49 yards. He was also 3 of 4 from 50+ yards. He also hit a 60-yarder versus Minnesota. He is a draftable kicker.
Others To Watch on the Cusp
Offense
Donavon Green WR, 6’2 210
A Wake Forest transfer, who is a burner and a serious vertical threat. He has shown good hands and crisp route running when on the field, and has an opportunity to make an immediate impact. The WR room is filled with transfers, but none of them have the experience he offers. If he can stay healthy, he could be a breakout player for the Hokies this year.
Benji Gosnell, Tight End, 6’5 254
Drones and Gosnell had a good connection last season. Benji had 32 catches for 341 yards and 2 TDS. He has good hands, a low 4.3 drop rate, he is tough to bring down, and should see an even larger role this year.
I didn’t get a chance to see him in the spring game as he was attending a wedding for one of his 12 siblings! But he will have every opportunity to increase his value for NFL teams looking for a tight end in the 2026 NFL Draft.
Tomas Rimac, OT, West Virginia transfer, 6’6 318
One of the most notable changes made by the Hokies was when Pry hired former West Virginia offensive line coach Matt Moore. The Hokies lost eight offensive linemen and needed to make a lot of additions. Moore is very familiar with Tomas, and VA Tech went after Tomas in the portal.
Rimac will assist in restoring the trenches. Last season, with WVU, Pro Football Focus assigned him a grade of 77.1, and an 86.3 pass blocking grade. He has displayed good feet in getting to the next level. Tomas also uses leverage to his advantage in pass protection. He has a lot of experience at LG and will be counted on to be a starter this year.
He has 29 career collegiate starts and has only allowed nine pressures in 2024.
Defense
Jaden Keller — Linebacker, Senior: 6’3 235
Keller led the Hokies with 83 tackles last season, despite only starting seven games. He recorded two QB hurries, one PBU, 1.5 TFLs, and two fumble recoveries, displaying a nose for the ball and his instincts. He showed up big in games against Rutgers, Syracuse, and especially Boston College. Good length and quickness, needs to get stronger.
Caleb Woodson Linebacker likely 2027
The 6’3″, 227 lb converted safety had a breakout season last year with 72 tackles, the 2nd most on the team. He also had two sacks, 7.5 TFLs, and a pick versus Duke. He started 11 games last season and appears poised for a strong campaign in 2025.
Ben Bell, Edge, 6’2 250
One of 30 transfers! He was injured for a few games at the start of the year and took a redshirt season.
Bell has a non-stop motor and is a good pass rusher who was used in a wide-nine alignment at Texas State. Over the last two seasons, he received good marks from PFF as a pass-rusher.
2024: 206 snaps, 80.8 DEF, 91.1 Pass Rush- 3.5 sacks
2023: 513 snaps, 90.9 DEF, 93.0 Pass Rush- 10 sacks
Isaiah Cash, Safety, Sam Houston State Transfer, 6’0 195
Cash reads defenses well and gets good breaks on the ball when it’s in the air. A ballhawk who is also a solid tackler. He put up great numbers last year: 67 tackles, two interceptions, two TFLS, 10 PBUs, which was good for a 77.4 PFF grade.
Isaiah is excited to play for Sam Siefkes, a former AZ Cardinal LB coach.
“Having a position coach at VT who’s been in the NFL and knows what it takes to get there was a huge factor for me. In my opinion, their schedule is competitive, especially starting out with two SEC schools. Their tradition and fanbase create an environment where I know I’d be challenged and could grow.” – Via Sports Illustrated
Virginia Tech will be an intriguing team to follow this year for those who love college football and discovering future draft talent.
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