Virginia Tech remains firmly in the hunt for one of its top Class of 2026 recruiting targets. Four-star defensive lineman Elijah Golden, a 6-foot-4, 276-pound standout, has officially narrowed his college options to four schools: Virginia Tech, Alabama, Notre Dame, and Oklahoma.
Golden will announce his college decision on July 26, according to recruiting insider Kyle Kelly. The Hokies’ inclusion in Golden’s final list is a strong indication of how much effort the staff has poured into his recruitment.
A highly sought-after prospect with nearly three dozen offers, Golden has taken a methodical approach to his recruitment. His recent visits included Virginia Tech on May 30, followed by Oklahoma (June 6), Alabama (June 13), and Notre Dame (June 20). As of now, there are no official Crystal Ball predictions on 247Sports, making his final decision even more intriguing.
Golden currently plays at Cardinal Mooney High School in Florida but began his high school football career in Virginia. He’s ranked as the No. 284 overall prospect in the nation and No. 34 in Florida according to the On3 Industry Ranking. Meanwhile, 247Sports lists him higher as the No. 185 overall player and the 26th-best prospect in Florida.
Scouting reports paint Golden as a versatile, high-motor defensive lineman with tremendous upside. Andrew Ivins, 247Sports’ director of scouting, describes Golden as someone who “might project best as a base end” who can hold the edge but also slide inside depending on how his body develops. Ivins added that Golden isn’t the most technical pass rusher yet, but he makes up for it with effort, quick hands, and solid burst off the snap.
This commitment will be one to watch closely. With Alabama, Notre Dame, and Oklahoma all being heavyweight programs with deep recruiting pipelines, Virginia Tech is fighting an uphill battle. Still, the Hokies’ early relationship and his Virginia ties may keep them in serious contention.
If the Hokies manage to land Golden, it would mark one of the biggest wins for their 2026 recruiting class so far.
Stay tuned—July 26 could be a big day in Hokie Nation.