Things are still looking up in the Class of 2025 in terms of recruiting for football coach Brent Pry.

Virginia Tech football coach Brent Pry has seen significant success in recruiting, particularly with the Class of 2025. Partnering with Fontel Mines, the Hokies have secured multiple in-state commitments, which was essential following the previous head coach’s disconnect with local talent.

Currently, Virginia Tech has 16 commitments for the Class of 2025, including several from Virginia. They originally had four four-star recruits, but lost one when Matthew Outten switched his commitment to Penn State on September 2. Despite this change, Virginia Tech’s recruiting class is still ranked in the Top 50 by ESPN.

You might think, “Top 50? So what?” But this is a positive step for a program that has faced challenges, as Coach Pry works to restore its national reputation. A promising sign is that two of the three four-star recruits—athlete Micah Matthews and linebacker Brett Clatterbaugh—are from Virginia.

While losing Outten to another program is disappointing, it’s crucial that no more commitments flip before the signing period. Maintaining a Top 50 ranking is essential for the program’s future. Several other ACC teams have higher rankings, with Miami leading at No. 11, followed by Georgia Tech (No. 17), Clemson (No. 19), SMU (No. 27), Florida State (No. 29), Stanford (No. 36), Duke (No. 39), Syracuse (No. 40), Pittsburgh (No. 42), North Carolina State (No. 45), and North Carolina (No. 46). Right behind Virginia Tech is Virginia at No. 49, while next season’s opening opponent, South Carolina, is ranked No. 35.

You can see that while the Hokies are down at No. 47, it is imperative that they stay in the Top 50 to compete with conference foes who continue to hit it big in recruiting.