The Hokies suffered a big transfer portal loss to Pittsburgh on Tuesday.
Over the past few days, Virginia Tech football coach Brent Pry has been having a strong showing in the transfer portal, with two key defensive commitments on Monday. The Hokies added Mercer defensive lineman Arias Nash and Eastern Michigan linebacker James Djonkman, both of whom have the potential to make significant contributions to the defense.
This move is part of Pry’s efforts to strengthen Virginia Tech’s defense, especially with the upcoming changes to the coaching staff, including the hiring of a new defensive coordinator.
Jaeden Moore commits to Pittsburgh over Virginia Tech
However, the Hokies suffered a setback on Tuesday when Oregon linebacker Jaeden Moore chose to commit to Pittsburgh over Virginia Tech. Moore, a 6-foot-4, 245-pound outside linebacker and defensive end, had visited Virginia Tech and was considered a strong prospect for the Hokies’ defense.
He has three years of eligibility left and had a limited role at Oregon. His commitment to Pittsburgh is a blow to the Hokies’ defensive line, as they were heavily involved in his recruitment.
Despite the loss of Moore, Virginia Tech’s transfer portal efforts have still yielded positive results, particularly with the addition of Nash and Djonkman. This is a sign of good progress for Pry as he works to rebuild the Hokies’ roster, with more moves expected as they continue to address their needs for 2025. While the loss of Moore stings, Pry’s focus remains on building depth and talent for the future, which could pay dividends as the program moves forward.
