Virginia Tech football Breaking News: Hokies add Mercer transfer DL 5-star sign after three years at Florida and last offseason they added Peebles from Duke.

 

The Virginia Tech Hokies faced a significant defensive setback with the graduation of their top two players, defensive end Antwaun Powell-Ryland (APR) and defensive tackle Aeneas Peebles. Both players, who were All-ACC selections and earned third-team All-American honors in 2024, have exhausted their eligibility.

Replacing talents like APR and Peebles is no small task, but the transfer portal provides a glimmer of hope. Two years ago, the Hokies secured Powell-Ryland after his stint at Florida, and last offseason, they brought in Peebles from Duke.

Since the transfer portal opened last month, Virginia Tech has been actively pursuing reinforcements, with one recent addition to the defensive line: Jahzari Priester, a 6-foot-8, 260-pound lineman. However, Priester is seen as more of a developmental player rather than an immediate game-changer for 2025.

On Monday night, head coach Brent Pry bolstered the defensive line with a key addition, landing a commitment from Arias Nash, a 6-foot-1, 275-pound defensive tackle from Mercer. Nash had an impressive 2024 season, posting 53 tackles, 12.5 tackles for loss, nine sacks, and 14 quarterback hits. He is expected to step into the role left by Peebles. A Charlotte native, Nash has one year of eligibility remaining.

Looking ahead, the Hokies will return Kelvin Gilliam and Kemari Copeland next season and have high hopes for freshmen defensive tackles Gerard Johnson and Emmett Laws. Laws, in particular, made an impact in the Duke’s Mayo Bowl. Along with Peebles, Virginia Tech also lost Josh Fuge and Wilfried Pene to graduation.

The Hokies’ defensive recruiting isn’t finished yet. Expect the team to target at least one edge rusher. While replacing APR’s 16-sack production is a tall order, it’s worth remembering that few predicted his breakout when he joined VT two years ago.

Welcome to Blacksburg, Arias Nash!