SETTABLOID

Spring Transfer Portal Chaos: Key Dates and Major Moves Set to Shake Up College Football

With Virginia Tech’s 2025 Spring Game officially in the rearview mirror, all eyes now shift to what’s next — and it’s a big one. College football is bracing for the inevitable madness of the spring transfer portal window. Love it or hate it, this short but dramatic window has the power to reshape rosters and shake entire programs to their core.

This year’s game in Blacksburg wasn’t televised, a strategic move by head coach Brent Pry and staff to avoid giving rival programs any scouting or recruiting advantage. Smart? Maybe. Necessary? Absolutely — especially with what’s coming.

The spring transfer portal window opens on April 16 and slams shut on April 25. Within this 10-day window, players looking for a fresh start can officially enter their names into the portal. But here’s the key detail: players don’t have to commit to a new school during the window — they just have to enter it before the April 25 deadline. As we saw last year with former UCLA quarterback Collin Schlee committing to Virginia Tech after the window closed, decisions can come later — but entries must be on time.

The buzz this year is already building, especially with major names like Tennessee’s Nico Iamaleava expected to hit the portal after reportedly being moved on from by the program. Moves like that don’t happen in a vacuum. A single transfer from a high-profile player can trigger a domino effect across college football — and Virginia Tech could be right in the middle of it.

Last year, the Hokies lost QB Dylan Wittke during this same period. And with Kyron Drones and Pop Watson both missing this year’s Spring Game due to injury and caution, speculation is swirling. Could one of them be on the move? Losing either would be a major setback for Virginia Tech’s depth and 2025 outlook.

So buckle up — the next few weeks promise plenty of drama, unexpected exits, and wild reshuffling across the college football landscape. For fans, it’s part rollercoaster, part heartburn. For coaches and programs? It’s survival mode. The spring portal madness is here — and no team is truly safe.

Aaron Jones Breaks Silence on JJ McCarthy as Vikings QB Drama Heats Up Amid Rodgers Rumors

The Minnesota Vikings have had no shortage of quarterback drama over the past year, and things just got even more interesting. With veteran running back Aaron Jones now in the fold, the spotlight is squarely on rookie quarterback JJ McCarthy—especially as whispers continue to swirl around a potential reunion with Aaron Rodgers.

Last season brought an unexpected twist for the Vikings when journeyman QB Sam Darnold—fresh off a backup role with the 49ers—shocked the league with a career resurgence. Signed to a modest one-year deal, Darnold delivered Pro Bowl-caliber performances, completing 66.2% of his passes for 4,319 yards, 35 touchdowns, and 12 interceptions. He posted a stellar 102.5 passer rating and turned skeptics into believers.

However, the long-term plan always seemed to revolve around McCarthy, whom the Vikings selected with the No. 10 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft. The former Michigan standout was viewed as the natural successor to Kirk Cousins, who left the team in free agency. Hopes were sky-high—until a devastating ACL tear in training camp sidelined McCarthy before he could take a single NFL snap.

With McCarthy sidelined, Darnold seized his opportunity. But his red-hot season didn’t lead to a long-term stay in Minnesota. Instead, he cashed in during free agency and signed with the Seattle Seahawks, leaving the Vikings with a massive question mark at quarterback yet again.

Now, as McCarthy continues his recovery, Aaron Jones—who joined the Vikings this offseason after a storied run with the Green Bay Packers—is speaking out. The former Pro Bowler praised McCarthy’s poise and work ethic, saying, “JJ’s got that quiet fire. You can tell he wants to prove something. He’s locked in. I’ve seen that same look before—in Green Bay.”

That comment alone has set off a new wave of speculation. Could Jones be hinting at another potential Rodgers reunion? The two shared years of success in Green Bay, and with Rodgers possibly on the move again, the rumor mill is churning at full speed.

One thing is certain: The Vikings’ quarterback room is once again the center of attention. Whether McCarthy becomes the face of the franchise or another twist awaits, Aaron Jones has made it clear—he sees something special brewing in Minnesota.

Spring Game Standouts: Four Hokies Who Turned Heads in Virginia Tech’s Spring Showcase

The atmosphere at Lane Stadium might have felt different this year, but the excitement was still electric as Virginia Tech wrapped up its Spring Game. Missing their top two quarterbacks—Kyron Drones (out due to a recent medical procedure) and Pop Watson (held out with a soft tissue injury)—the Hokies had to get creative.

With the QB1 and QB2 on the sidelines, the stage was set for three young guns: Davi Belfort, A.J. Brand, and Kelden Ryan. Brand and Ryan, still technically high schoolers, were thrust into the spotlight for a scrimmage that pitted the offense against the defense under a points system designed to favor the latter. Unsurprisingly, the defense came away with a 50–21 win—but several players on both sides made a serious impression. Here are four Hokies who stole the show:

Ayden Greene – WR
Expected to step up as a leader in the wide receiver room this fall, Greene showed exactly why he’s ready. He scored an 11-yard touchdown from Belfort and opened the offensive scoring in style with a trick-play bomb: Brand tossed him a lateral, and Greene fired a perfect pass to Cameron Seldon for a 57-yard score. The versatility? Impressive. The confidence? Even better.

Cameron Seldon – WR
Former Tennessee running back Cameron Seldon has smoothly transitioned into a big-time receiving threat for Virginia Tech. His 57-yard touchdown catch from Greene capped off an eye-opening spring. With his athleticism and playmaking skills, Seldon is shaping up to be a game-changer come fall—no matter who’s throwing him the ball.

Braydon Bennett – RB
Replacing star running back Bhayshul Tuten is no small task, but Coastal Carolina transfer Braydon Bennett looks up for the challenge. Leading all rushers with 74 yards on 11 carries—including a 17-yard burst—Bennett ran with power and purpose. He’ll be a key part of what’s expected to be a running-back-by-committee approach in 2025.

Dante Lovett – DB
On the defensive side, sophomore cornerback Dante Lovett made the play of the day with a 38-yard pick-six off Kelden Ryan. With the secondary in flux after major offseason departures, Lovett’s performance signals that he could be one of the breakout defenders this season.

These four Hokies made the most of their Spring Game spotlight—and might just be the spark Virginia Tech needs this fall.

As the Virginia Tech Hokies prepare to take the field for their annual Spring Game this weekend, there’s more intrigue than ever swirling around Lane Stadium. Unlike in past years, this spring showcase won’t just be a tune-up — it’s a proving ground for a roster riddled with unknowns and fresh faces.

This offseason has been one of significant transition. Between graduating seniors, early NFL Draft declarations, and a handful of players entering the transfer portal, the Hokies are heading into the 2025 season with more question marks than answers. Both sides of the ball are affected, and the Spring Game could be the first real glimpse into how this reshaped squad might look come fall.

Quarterback Quandary

The biggest storyline heading into Saturday’s scrimmage is the quarterback situation. While Kyron Drones had seemingly cemented himself as QB1 last fall, he’s now sidelined due to a medical procedure, leaving his status for the start of the season uncertain. That means all eyes turn to Pop Watson, a promising backup who may suddenly find himself thrust into a leading role. Drones’ injury history has to be a concern, and Watson’s performance in the Spring Game could provide a glimpse into Virginia Tech’s contingency plans.

Running Back Reset and O-Line Overhaul

At running back, the Hokies are looking to fill a massive void left by Bhayshul Tuten’s entry into the NFL Draft and Malachi Thomas’ transfer. Enter Marcellus Hawkins, a transfer from Central Missouri who could see early reps. He’ll run behind a revamped offensive line — another unit in flux. Offensive line coach Matt Moore has work to do rebuilding the front, though the addition of a few former West Virginia players gives the group a hopeful boost.

Defensive Depth Dilemma

Defensively, Virginia Tech must replace stars like Antwaun Powell-Ryland and Aeneas Peebles on the line and nearly its entire starting secondary. The Hokies dipped into the transfer portal for help, adding experienced pieces like Sherrod Covil (Clemson), Isaiah Brown-Murray (East Carolina), and Tyson Flowers (Rice), but cohesion remains a concern.

Heading into the Spring Game, the Hokies are less focused on flash and more on finding solutions. With several starting roles up for grabs and critical depth pieces still unproven, the next step in Virginia Tech’s rebuild starts this Saturday — and the spotlight will be shining bright.

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.

Hokie Nation Gears Up for Jam-Packed Weekend: Spring Game, Top-25 Baseball Clash, and More

Blacksburg is buzzing as Virginia Tech gears up for an action-packed weekend featuring marquee matchups across multiple sports—including the highly anticipated Spring Game, a Top-25 baseball showdown with Florida State, and key matchups in softball and lacrosse.

Spring Football Returns to Lane Stadium
All eyes will be on Lane Stadium Saturday afternoon as the Hokies take the field for their annual Spring Game at 3 p.m. While quarterback Kyron Drones will be sidelined due to a recent medical procedure, head coach Brent Pry is still planning to give fans a taste of real game action. The first half will mimic a traditional game format, with a full 15-minute first quarter and a slightly shortened 12-minute second quarter. The second half will feature 12-minute quarters with a running clock to maintain pace. The roster will be split evenly into Team Orange and Team Black, setting the stage for an exciting intrasquad battle and giving fans a glimpse of what’s to come this fall.

Top-25 Baseball Showdown: Hokies vs. Seminoles
On the diamond, the No. 25-ranked Hokies baseball team will host a massive ACC series against No. 9 Florida State. Riding high after a midweek victory over No. 20 Troy, Virginia Tech enters the weekend with momentum and a desire to extend its run of conference success. The Hokies have won three consecutive ACC series—including a sweep of Wake Forest—and boast six wins over ranked opponents so far this season. A series win over Florida State could propel them even higher in the national rankings and solidify their status as serious postseason contenders.

Softball and Lacrosse Also in the Spotlight
Tech Softball Park will also be a hub of energy this weekend as the red-hot Hokies softball team hosts Notre Dame. Bre Peck is fresh off a historic performance, setting school records for home runs and RBIs in a 12-3 rout of Charlotte. Now, the team looks to extend its incredible 13-game win streak to 14 and beyond.

Meanwhile, Hokies women’s lacrosse finally halted a tough five-game skid with a narrow 12-11 victory over Coastal Carolina. They now turn their focus to a crucial ACC matchup against No. 11 Syracuse on Saturday at noon at Thompson Field.

From gridiron excitement to diamond drama, it’s shaping up to be one of the most thrilling weekends of the year in Blacksburg.

Virginia Tech Pursues Game-Changing WR Christian Fitzpatrick in High-Stakes Transfer Battle

Virginia Tech football is making a major push to rebuild its wide receiver corps after losing its top four pass-catchers from the 2024 season. With Ali Jennings, Da’Quan Felton, Jaylin Lane, and Stephen Gosnell all moving on, the Hokies face a tall task in replacing that production. But a new name has entered the picture—and he’s got the skills to make an immediate impact.

 

Enter Christian Fitzpatrick, the standout wide receiver from Marshall, who recently entered the transfer portal after being granted an extra year of eligibility by the NCAA. On Friday, Fitzpatrick made an official visit to Blacksburg, signaling just how serious Virginia Tech is about bringing him on board.

Fitzpatrick isn’t a stranger to Lane Stadium. In fact, he gave the Hokies a front-row seat to his talents last season when Marshall came to town in Week 2. He torched Virginia Tech for four catches, 73 yards, and a touchdown—including a jaw-dropping sideline grab that had Hokie fans (and coaches) taking notice.

For Marshall in 2024, Fitzpatrick hauled in 34 passes for 576 yards and six touchdowns, averaging nearly 17 yards per reception. At 6-foot-4 and with a knack for highlight-reel plays, he’s exactly the kind of vertical threat Virginia Tech needs in 2025.

Though the Hokies have rising talents like Ayden Greene and Tennessee transfer Cameron Seldon showing promise in spring practices, the addition of an experienced, physically dominant receiver like Fitzpatrick would immediately elevate the unit. With new offensive coordinator Philip Montgomery at the helm and wide receivers coach Fontel Mines leading the recruiting charge, the Hokies are rolling out the red carpet.

However, Virginia Tech isn’t alone in the pursuit. Fitzpatrick has already visited Oklahoma State and has drawn interest from a growing list of programs, including Louisville, Colorado, Baylor, and Arkansas. The longer he stays on the market, the more crowded the race becomes.

If Fitzpatrick chooses Virginia Tech, he’d likely slide right into a starting role, providing a reliable target for whoever lines up at quarterback this fall. For a Hokies offense in need of explosiveness and leadership at wideout, this could be a game-changing addition.

Keep an eye on this one—Fitzpatrick’s decision could shape the trajectory of Virginia Tech’s 2025 season.