Virginia Tech’s Spring Game Spotlight: The Biggest Questions Still Looming Over the Hokies
As the Hokies gear up for their annual Spring Game, set to unfold this weekend at Lane Stadium, there’s a different kind of anticipation in the air. Unlike previous years, Virginia Tech enters this pivotal scrimmage with more questions than answers — and many of them could shape how the 2025 season begins.
The roster has undergone a whirlwind of changes this offseason. Between outgoing seniors, NFL Draft declarations, and the now-constant churn of the transfer portal, both sides of the ball are seeing major overhauls — and Saturday’s Spring Game will be the first real look at how those gaps might be filled.
Offensive Uncertainty Starts Under Center
Virginia Tech fans were already watching Kyron Drones closely as he worked back from late-season injuries. But now, with news that he’s undergoing a medical procedure and will miss the rest of spring camp, concern has escalated. That spotlight now shifts to Pop Watson, who suddenly finds himself as a potential starting option. If Drones isn’t ready by the fall, Watson’s performance this spring becomes even more critical to head coach Brent Pry’s plans.
And it’s not just the quarterback spot that raises eyebrows. With star running back Bhayshul Tuten headed to the NFL and Malachi Thomas transferring out, the Hokies’ backfield is in flux. Central Missouri transfer Marcellus Hawkins will need to prove quickly that he can step up at the FBS level.
Adding to the puzzle is the offensive line, which faces a fast rebuild under new coach Matt Moore. Moore brought in several linemen from West Virginia to jumpstart the process, but cohesion and depth are still question marks.
Defensive Gaps Demand Immediate Answers
The defensive front is in a similar spot after losing Antwaun Powell-Ryland and Aeneas Peebles to the NFL Draft. This opens the door for younger players to earn meaningful roles — but whether they’re ready remains to be seen.
Then there’s the secondary. With Dorian Strong, Mansoor Delane, and Mose Phillips all gone, the Hokies will rely on a trio of transfers — Sherrod Covil (Clemson), Isaiah Brown-Murray (East Carolina), and Tyson Flowers (Rice) — to bring stability. Still, chemistry takes time, and this unit will be under a microscope all spring.
Virginia Tech may have momentum heading into 2025, but the Spring Game could reveal just how much work still lies ahead.