Virginia Tech’s 2024 season ended on a disappointing note. While the Hokies continued their dominance in the Commonwealth Cup, they fell short in their bowl game against Minnesota. To bounce back, they overhauled their roster through the transfer portal.
The 2025 schedule won’t do them any favors. While in-conference dates remain unconfirmed, Virginia Tech will open the season in Atlanta against Shane Beamer’s South Carolina Gamecocks. Their non-conference slate also includes another matchup with Vanderbilt. In ACC play, they’ll face Virginia, NC State, Florida State, Georgia Tech, Cal, Louisville, Miami, and Wake Forest—most of whom are expected to improve from 2024.
So, who are the most impactful transfers for each of Virginia Tech’s 2025 opponents?
Old Dominion – S Ronald Jackson Jr. (Montana)
After transferring to Montana from Akron, Jackson is returning to the FBS level. The Belleville, Mich., native started 16 games for the Griz, recording 80 tackles, four pass breakups, 1.5 tackles for loss, one interception, one forced fumble, and one fumble recovery. While he played cornerback at Montana, he could line up at either safety or cornerback for ODU. Expect him to be a key contributor for the Monarchs in Conference USA.
Wofford – RB Elijah Jackson-Anderson (Eastern Michigan)
Wofford brought in several FBS transfers, but Jackson-Anderson stands out as the most immediate impact player. He boasts elite speed and accumulated over 300 yards from scrimmage with four touchdowns at Eastern Michigan. Additionally, he’s an excellent blocker for his size, making him a strong candidate to be the focal point of Wofford’s offense in 2025.
Vanderbilt – IOL Jordan White (Liberty)
Virginia Tech transfer Gunner Givens could also make a strong case here, but White is the more proven commodity. He finished as the sixth-highest-rated guard on PFF in 2024, making him one of the top Group of Five transfers in this cycle. His presence will be felt immediately in Vanderbilt’s offensive line.
South Carolina – EDGE Jaylen Brown (Missouri)
Brown is an elite pass rusher who was buried in a deep defensive line rotation at Missouri. Rated as a four-star transfer, he was heavily recruited by South Carolina out of high school, and now he gets his shot in Columbia. He’s poised for a breakout season in 2025 and should be a key playmaker in Beamer’s defense.
NC State – CB Jamel Johnson (Temple)
NC State lost more talent than it gained in the portal, but Johnson will help stabilize the secondary. He finished 2024 with 47 tackles, two interceptions, and 11 passes defended, making him an immediate starter for the Wolfpack.
Virginia – OL Monroe Mills (Louisville)
Despite a rough season for several ACC teams, Virginia did a solid job reloading through the portal. Mills, once ranked as the seventh-best transfer by On3 before dropping to 72nd, is a huge addition to the Cavaliers’ offensive line. His presence could make a big difference, and he has NFL potential.
Florida State – WR Duce Robinson (USC)
Florida State is in need of a culture shift, and Robinson could be part of the solution. A five-star recruit in 2024, he made a significant impact in the Big Ten as a freshman. He ranked as the No. 7 overall player in the transfer portal and had a 134.2 passer rating when targeted. His speed, length, and explosiveness make him a nightmare for opposing defenses.
Georgia Tech – WR Eric Rivers (FIU)
After losing Eric Singleton to Auburn, Georgia Tech found a top-tier replacement in Rivers. He tallied 1,172 receiving yards and 12 touchdowns in 2024 and is expected to be Haynes King’s top target. Another FIU transfer, Dean Patterson, could also make an impact for the Yellow Jackets.
Cal – QBs Jaron Keawe Sagapolutele (Oregon) & Devin Brown (Ohio State)
The Golden Bears landed two former five-star quarterbacks who will battle for the starting job. Both have been searching for an opportunity to lead a team, but only one will win the job. Whoever gets the nod will be Cal’s most impactful transfer.
Louisville – QB Miller Moss (USC)
Moss, one of the most sought-after quarterbacks in the portal, will take over for Shough in a similar role. He threw for 2,555 yards and 18 touchdowns at USC in 2024, making him a strong fit for Louisville’s offense.
Miami – QB Carson Beck (Georgia)
Beck is an elite quarterback prospect with clear NFL potential. He’ll step into an offensive system that helped Cam Ward boost his draft stock, and he could be the next in line to benefit.
Wake Forest – OL Fa’alili Fa’amoe (Washington State)
Wake Forest landed the No. 2 offensive tackle in the transfer portal, according to 247Sports. Fa’amoe, a three-year starter in the Pac-12, received Day 2 NFL Draft grades before suffering an injury. He’ll step in as one of the best tackles in the ACC in 2025.
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