BLACKSBURG, Va. (AP) — Virginia Tech is investigating a serious allegation made by North Carolina Central head coach Trei Oliver, who claims that a Hokies assistant coach attempted to improperly recruit running back J’Mari Taylor during the 2023 season.
In a statement released Saturday, Virginia Tech said it had only just become aware of the accusation the day before.
According to ESPN, the allegation came to light when Coach Oliver was asked Friday about the most outrageous experience he’s had in coaching. He responded by recounting a moment when he discovered a Virginia Tech assistant on the sidelines during one of NCCU’s games in 2024, attempting to make contact with Taylor. The standout back later transferred to Virginia.
WRAL News quoted Oliver saying: “Virginia Tech was actually on my sideline recruiting our running back. That was pretty bold. I couldn’t believe it.” He added that the coach claimed to be “just down here visiting” — but Oliver wasn’t buying it. “I knew what it was,” he said.
In its official response to the Associated Press, Virginia Tech stated: “We were made aware Friday afternoon of a public comment suggesting a potential NCAA rules concern involving a member of our coaching staff. This is the first time the issue has been brought to our attention, and no concern has previously been shared with us through any formal channel.”
The university added that it treats NCAA compliance with the utmost seriousness and is conducting an internal review.
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