Virginia Tech Basketball’s Young Guns Ready to Explode in 2025-26
With another offseason of roster reshuffling underway, Virginia Tech men’s basketball head coach Mike Young is navigating the transfer portal once again. Yet, unlike the chaos of last year, this cycle has brought some stability — and more importantly, hope. Several underclassmen who showed flashes of brilliance last season are staying put in Blacksburg, ready to build on their momentum and potentially become the new faces of the Hokies in 2025-26.
Among those who’ve returned are three young players who could take massive strides forward next season: Ben Hammond, Jaden Schutt, and Tyler Johnson.
Ben Hammond: The Quiet Floor General Ready to Roar
Hammond arrived at Virginia Tech last spring after de-committing from Rhode Island, and while his freshman numbers may not have grabbed headlines, his impact was undeniable. Initially behind Brandon Rechsteiner on the depth chart, Hammond seized the starting point guard role by January and never looked back. His composure, defensive tenacity, and improved shooting made him a steady presence on the court, especially in high-pressure ACC matchups. With a full offseason to develop and stay healthy, Hammond could emerge as one of the ACC’s most reliable floor generals next year.
Jaden Schutt: The Sharpshooter with Something to Prove
A former Duke Blue Devil, Schutt came to Virginia Tech with a reputation as a knockdown shooter. Injuries derailed his stint at Duke, and they continued to hamper his progress in Blacksburg. But even through slumps, Schutt showed glimpses of why he was so highly regarded coming out of high school. With his first full college season now under his belt, Schutt’s confidence and rhythm should rise significantly. A healthy offseason could be the key to unlocking his lethal shooting and making him one of the most dangerous perimeter threats in the ACC.
Tyler Johnson: The Gritty Freshman Turning into a Two-Way Force
Johnson forced his way into the Hokies’ starting lineup as a freshman, showcasing toughness, rebounding, and defensive intensity. He wasn’t afraid to do the dirty work down low, and his offensive game started to blossom late in the season. With another summer to refine his scoring and physicality, Johnson could evolve into an all-around force for Virginia Tech.
If these three underclassmen stay healthy and continue their upward trajectories, Virginia Tech might not just survive another portal season — they could thrive in 2025-26.