Last season, the Virginia Tech football team managed to retain many players on both offense and defense, avoiding significant losses to the transfer portal or the NFL Draft. However, this year has been a different story for head coach Brent Pry. The team has experienced a notable exodus, with players leaving through the portal and declaring for the draft.
Since the transfer portal opened, linebacker Kelli Lawson has entered his name and is set to make a few campus visits this weekend. As for the other linebackers, their futures have been a topic of speculation. On Thursday night, one linebacker confirmed he would be returning to Blacksburg for the 2025 season.
Jaden Keller announces he’s returning to Virginia Tech for 2025
This season, Jaden Keller emerged as a breakout star at linebacker for the Hokies, consistently making an impact each week. Keller announced via Instagram that he’ll be returning next fall. Over 12 games, he tallied 76 tackles, including 32 solo stops, and recovered two fumbles. His standout performances included a season-high 10 tackles against Boston College in October, nine tackles in an overtime loss to Syracuse in November, and another nine at home against Rutgers in September. He also logged eight-tackle games against Georgia Tech, Clemson, and Virginia during Thanksgiving weekend.
A Tennessee native, Keller is expected to start as the Mike linebacker in Virginia Tech’s bowl game against Minnesota next month, partnering with Sam Brumfield. Kaleb Spencer and Caleb Woodson are also likely to see action at linebacker.
Head coach Brent Pry made significant coaching changes last week, firing defensive coordinator Chris Marve along with three other assistants. Shawn Quinn will take over defensive duties for the bowl game, with guidance from Pry and legendary former coordinator Bud Foster. Whoever is hired as the new defensive coordinator for the 2025 season will inherit a defense anchored by Keller in his final year of eligibility.
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