Hidden Hokie Stars: Two Virginia Tech Playmakers Poised to Shake Up the NFL Draft

Two Former Hokies Emerging as Game-Changing X-Factors Ahead of 2025 NFL Draft

As the NFL Draft kicks off Thursday night in Green Bay, all eyes are on the top prospects—yet two names from Virginia Tech are starting to gain serious traction. Wide receiver Jaylin Lane and running back Bhayshul Tuten have been labeled as potential “X-factors” in this year’s draft class, earning praise from Pro Football Focus and impressing scouts with their elite athleticism and versatility.

After a quiet 2024 draft season due to Virginia Tech’s strong player retention under head coach Brent Pry, the Hokies are back in the spotlight. While last season ended with a disappointing 6-7 record and a loss in the Duke’s Mayo Bowl, several former Hokies are looking to turn the page and make their mark on the next level.

Among them, Lane and Tuten have stood out throughout the pre-draft process—making noise not only with their on-field performances but also during team interviews. Both players were listed by Pro Football Focus among a select group of explosive, game-altering prospects alongside stars like Iowa State’s Jaylin Noel and Missouri’s Luther Burden.

Jaylin Lane has proven he can do it all—an elusive receiver with a knack for big plays, and a fearless punt returner who thrives in high-pressure moments. After a recent meeting with the New York Giants, Lane spoke to the New York Post about his mindset on special teams:
“I’m not afraid to make the tough catches. If I can make a play that changes the game, I’m going to take that chance every time.”

Meanwhile, Bhayshul Tuten is turning heads with his electric speed and dual-threat capability. Whether lined up in the backfield or fielding kickoffs, Tuten’s ability to break away for a touchdown in the blink of an eye is undeniable. In 2023 alone, he notched two return touchdowns—one against Florida State, the other against in-state rival Virginia—cementing his reputation as a game-breaker.

With draft boards still shifting and teams finalizing their picks, Lane and Tuten could be the surprise steals of the 2025 class. Their versatility, explosiveness, and ability to contribute immediately on offense and special teams make them hidden gems with massive upside.

Don’t be surprised if these two former Hokies make headlines again—this time in the NFL.

Diamondbacks Shuffle Pitching Staff: A.J. Puk Hits IL, Joe Mantiply Sent to Triple-A Reno

Diamondbacks Shake Up Bullpen Amid Injuries and Struggles: A.J. Puk Heads to IL, Mantiply Demoted

The Arizona Diamondbacks are making major moves to stabilize their bullpen after a chaotic series against the Chicago Cubs. On Saturday, the team announced that reliever A.J. Puk has been placed on the 15-day injured list due to left elbow inflammation. The timing couldn’t be worse, as Puk had been one of the few bright spots in the D-backs’ bullpen, collecting four saves and 12 strikeouts across eight appearances with a solid 3.38 ERA and 1.25 WHIP.

In a broader bullpen shuffle, the Diamondbacks optioned struggling relievers Joe Mantiply and Bryce Jarvis to Triple-A Reno following a disastrous outing Friday at Wrigley Field. After the team’s offense exploded for 10 runs in the eighth inning to take an 11-7 lead, Jarvis quickly let the Cubs back in with a walk, a hit, and a three-run homer to ex-Diamondback Carson Kelly. Mantiply followed and gave up three more runs on six hits, including two homers, helping the Cubs steal a wild 13-11 win.

The numbers underscore the struggles: Mantiply currently holds an eye-popping 15.95 ERA and 3.00 WHIP, while Jarvis hasn’t fared much better with a 7.36 ERA in six games.

To reinforce the bullpen, Arizona recalled Drey Jameson, who returns after missing the 2024 season following Tommy John surgery. Jameson showed promise in 2023 with a 3-1 record and 3.32 ERA, and he’s off to a solid start in Triple-A Reno this season with 10 strikeouts over 6.2 innings and a 2.70 ERA.

Also joining the big league club are J.P. Feyereisen and Juan Morillo. Feyereisen, who boasts a career 2.95 ERA over 93 MLB appearances, has impressed in Reno with a 0.96 ERA so far this year. Morillo, a former Dodgers farmhand, has been equally effective, logging a 1.42 ERA in six outings with the Aces.

In a corresponding roster move, the D-backs designated infielder Grae Kessinger for assignment to make room for the bullpen reinforcements.

As Arizona continues its series in Chicago, ace Zac Gallen will take the mound in hopes of steadying the ship and snapping the team’s recent bullpen woes.

Indiana Fever and WTHR Extend Broadcast Deal to Bring Fans Unprecedented Game Coverage

Indiana Fever and WTHR Expand Broadcast Deal to Deliver Unprecedented Game Coverage for 2025 Season

INDIANAPOLIS (April 17, 2025) – Indiana Fever fans are in for a record-breaking season of access as the franchise and WTHR, Indianapolis’ NBC affiliate owned by TEGNA, have officially extended their multi-year broadcast partnership. The newly expanded agreement will bring an unmatched lineup of games straight into living rooms across central Indiana, just in time for what’s shaping up to be a landmark year for the team.

As part of the extension, WTHR and its sister station WALV (MeTV affiliate) will air 18 Fever games locally during the 2025 WNBA season, giving fans more free, over-the-air viewing options than ever before. This bold move follows a hugely successful 2024 campaign where local broadcasts dramatically outperformed national coverage, with Fever games on WTHR pulling in 63% more viewers than nationally televised matchups.

“With our powerful mix of veterans and rising stars, the Fever are ready to make some noise this season,” said Mel Raines, CEO of Pacers Sports & Entertainment. “WTHR and TEGNA have been exceptional partners, and this expanded deal ensures more fans can follow our journey back to the playoffs.”

Brad Ramsey, TEGNA’s SVP of media operations, echoed that excitement: “We’re proud to deepen our relationship with the Fever and continue offering fans unique access to one of the WNBA’s most exciting teams. This partnership helps fuel local engagement and grow the game.”

Michael Brouder, President and GM of WTHR, added: “We’re honored to bring this level of coverage to Indiana’s most passionate basketball fans. The Fever are the hottest ticket in town, and we’re here to make sure the energy spreads across the entire region.”

In addition to the local coverage, the Fever will have a franchise-record 41 of their 44 games broadcast nationally, setting a new WNBA high for most national TV appearances by a single team in a single season.

A full list of WTHR/WALV broadcasts includes key matchups against powerhouse teams like Las Vegas, New York, and Los Angeles. Fans can find the complete schedule and ticketing information at FeverBasketball.com/Tickets or by downloading the official Indiana Fever app.

This landmark agreement was negotiated by Dan Granik and David Sternberg of Range Sports, a division of Range Media Partners and long-time consultants to Pacers Sports & Entertainment.

The Fever’s future looks brighter than ever—and now, more fans than ever will get a front-row seat to the action.

Mock Draft Projects Raiders to Bolster Defense with Former Florida State Star

Raiders Eye Former FSU Star to Reinforce Defensive Line in Latest NFL Mock Draft

As the 2025 NFL Draft approaches, mock drafts are flooding the football world with predictions—and one name consistently popping up is former Florida State defensive tackle Josh Farmer. ESPN draft analyst Jordan Reid recently projected that the Las Vegas Raiders could be the next franchise to benefit from Florida State’s well-known pipeline of elite defensive linemen.

In Reid’s latest seven-round mock draft, he has the Raiders selecting Farmer with the No. 68 overall pick in the third round. This move could add some serious muscle to Las Vegas’ defensive front, especially following their recent acquisition of star defensive tackle Christian Wilkins in free agency.

“Farmer has the potential to be an early starter at 1-technique alongside Christian Wilkins,” Reid noted. “He is stout against the run and can generate some excitement as a pass rusher.”

That combination of run-stopping strength and interior disruption is exactly what the Raiders have been searching for as they look to build a defense capable of challenging high-powered AFC West offenses.

Farmer is coming off a productive career with the Seminoles, where he quietly became one of the most reliable linemen in the ACC. Over 42 career games, he racked up 80 total tackles, including 21 for loss, along with 11 sacks, two pass deflections, and a forced fumble. His ability to collapse the pocket and maintain gap discipline helped fuel Florida State’s defensive resurgence in recent seasons.

The Seminoles’ defensive line was one of the nation’s most formidable in 2024, with Farmer anchoring a group that also included Jared Verse and Braden Fiske—both of whom were finalists for Defensive Rookie of the Year honors. That pedigree is not lost on NFL scouts, and it’s one of the reasons Farmer is rising up draft boards.

If selected by the Raiders, Farmer would join a defensive unit on the rise, one that’s looking to shake up the AFC West and put pressure on quarterbacks like Patrick Mahomes and Justin Herbert. Paired with Wilkins, he could thrive in a rotational or even starting role early on, providing valuable snaps and long-term upside.

The 2025 NFL Draft kicks off April 24–26 in Green Bay, and Raider Nation should keep a close eye on pick No. 68—it could be the moment a future defensive difference-maker joins the Silver and Black.

Virginia Tech Defender Cameren Fleming Hits the Transfer Portal

Versatile Hokies Defender Cameren Fleming Enters Transfer Portal with Three Years of Eligibility Remaining

Another domino has fallen in Virginia Tech’s spring transfer portal window, as redshirt sophomore Cameren Fleming has officially announced his decision to enter the portal. The 6-foot, 202-pound defender brings a unique blend of experience and positional versatility to the open market — and he still has three years of eligibility to offer a potential new program.

A former three-star prospect from Trinity Episcopal School in Richmond, Fleming initially joined the Hokies as a safety in the 2023 recruiting class. During his time in Blacksburg, he saw action at nearly every spot in the defensive back seven — taking snaps at cornerback, safety, hybrid “star” linebacker, and even inside linebacker. Though his game-time opportunities were limited, the staff clearly recognized his athleticism and versatility, testing him in multiple roles across the defense.

Fleming appeared in just four games across his two seasons with the Hokies, notching two tackles during an 11-snap outing at Stanford in 2024 — a performance that remains the highlight of his collegiate career to date. Though he didn’t crack the rotation consistently, his diverse skill set and remaining eligibility could make him an intriguing addition for teams looking to bolster their secondary depth or develop a hybrid defender with upside.

Fleming becomes the seventh Hokie to enter the transfer portal during this spring window, joining quarterback Davi Belfort, offensive linemen Caleb Nitta and Web Davidson, defensive lineman Jorden McDonald, linebacker Jayden McDonald, and defensive back Braylon Johnson. With the portal window closing this Friday, the clock is ticking for any remaining players considering a change of scenery.

As head coach Brent Pry and his staff continue to shape the future of Virginia Tech’s roster, Fleming’s departure is another reminder of the fluidity of today’s college football landscape. Whether he ends up in a system that utilizes him as a rangy safety, a physical nickel defender, or a sideline-to-sideline linebacker, Fleming will be a name to watch as portal season hits full throttle.

Virginia Tech Basketball Eyes Izaiah Pasha and Other Key Transfer Targets in Portal Hunt

Virginia Tech Reloads: Hokies Land Izaiah Pasha and Set Sights on More Transfer Portal Talent

The Virginia Tech men’s basketball team continues to make strategic moves in the transfer portal, adding new pieces to bolster its roster for the future. Head coach Mike Young secured a significant commitment this week from Delaware point guard Izaiah Pasha—an up-and-coming player who brings both talent and long-term potential to the Hokies.

Pasha, a standout freshman for the Blue Hens, committed to Virginia Tech on Monday and arrives in Blacksburg with three years of eligibility remaining. Known for his playmaking ability and late-season surge at Delaware, Pasha is expected to compete for meaningful minutes right away. His arrival signals a major win for a Tech squad looking to reshape its backcourt.

National rankings reflect Pasha’s rising stock. According to 247Sports, he is ranked No. 96 among transfer portal prospects, while ESPN slots him at No. 88. Notably, he isn’t the only highly ranked addition to the Hokies’ roster. Center Amani Hansberry, another key commitment, checks in at No. 89 on 247Sports and No. 92 on ESPN. Between the two, Tech now boasts two top-100 portal prospects heading into the next season.

One of the major advantages of landing players like Pasha and Hansberry is their remaining eligibility. Pasha has three years left, while Hansberry brings two. In today’s era of player movement and one-year rentals, bringing in multi-year athletes offers Tech some much-needed roster stability and developmental upside.

While these additions are exciting, Coach Young and his staff aren’t done yet. With a few more scholarships to fill and talent still available in the portal, the Hokies are actively scouting for additional upgrades. Whether it’s a sharpshooting wing, a stretch big, or another defensive-minded guard, expect Tech to stay aggressive in finding the right fits to round out their roster.

With Pasha now in the fold and Hansberry adding muscle inside, Virginia Tech fans have good reason to feel optimistic. The 2025-26 season is shaping up to be a pivotal one, and these transfer pickups could be the spark that helps the Hokies climb back into ACC contention. Stay tuned—the portal madness is far from over.

Panthers Score Top Pass Rusher and Draft Capital in Bold Day 1 Trade Move

Panthers Projected to Snag Elite Pass Rusher and Draft Treasure in Bold Day 1 Trade

The Carolina Panthers are gearing up to make some serious waves in the 2025 NFL Draft — and it may all begin with a blockbuster move on Day 1.

According to The Charlotte Observer’s latest mock draft, Carolina could walk away from the first round with a high-impact pass rusher and a sizable collection of picks, thanks to a savvy trade. With the draft kicking off Thursday night, this prediction paints a picture of a franchise ready to rebuild with both firepower and flexibility.

Coming off a rocky season, the Panthers have plenty of roster holes to fill. But instead of staying put with their original pick, this scenario has Carolina trading down — a move that would allow the team to acquire multiple future assets and still walk away with a top-tier defensive talent. In a draft class that’s rich in edge-rushing potential, it’s a calculated gamble that could pay off big.

The mock draft suggests that by sliding down the board, the Panthers can address their urgent need for a quarterback disruptor while stockpiling picks to build out depth at other crucial positions. Names like Jared Verse, Chop Robinson, and Dallas Turner have been floated as possible targets — all explosive edge rushers capable of making an immediate impact.

But the real win here isn’t just the player — it’s the flexibility. General Manager Dan Morgan has been open about wanting to reshape the roster, and a trade like this gives Carolina the tools to do exactly that, without mortgaging their future. With additional picks in their back pocket, the Panthers would be in position to chase more contributors across the offensive line, wide receiver corps, and secondary over the weekend.

With the draft only hours away, Panthers fans can expect a rollercoaster ride filled with strategy, surprises, and hopefully, the building blocks of a brighter future. If this mock draft holds true, Carolina might just emerge from Day 1 with a franchise-altering haul — and a dangerous new threat off the edge.

Why the Spring Transfer Portal Could Spark Chaos Across College Football

Spring Transfer Portal Frenzy: Why This Window Could Be the Wildest Yet

College football fans, buckle up — the spring transfer portal is shaping up to be absolute chaos, and Virginia Tech head coach Brent Pry may be facing one of his toughest roster management challenges yet.

The portal window, which opened April 16 and runs through April 25, is the last hurrah of a completely unregulated NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) era — and schools across the country are taking full advantage. With the long-anticipated House v. NCAA settlement still awaiting approval, the current portal landscape remains the Wild West, where money talks louder than ever.

This spring’s NIL market has been nothing short of outrageous. Reports indicate that some benchwarmers are demanding $700,000, solid starters want $1 million, and genuine playmakers are commanding upwards of $2 million. It’s a frenzy of cash deals with little oversight — and the clock is ticking before that all changes.

The pending House settlement — aimed at resolving multiple antitrust cases against the NCAA and major conferences — is expected to usher in revenue sharing and regulate NIL deals through a fair-market clearinghouse. But with finalization delayed well beyond the original April 7 deadline, everything is still up in the air. Legal teams are still ironing out issues like scholarship limits and athlete rights over the 10-year period the agreement seeks to cover.

In the meantime, athletic departments are racing to secure talent under the current no-holds-barred system. With no guardrails in place, schools are stuffing offers with inflated NIL deals, knowing full well this may be the last time they can operate without restrictions.

That puts programs like Virginia Tech in a tricky spot. Without the NIL war chest of bigger-name programs, Brent Pry’s staff must navigate an increasingly competitive market where loyalty means less, and deep pockets mean everything. With a host of departures already, and more likely on the horizon, the Hokies will need to play aggressive defense — and maybe even offense — in the portal just to keep pace.

One thing is certain: Until the new rules kick in, expect fireworks. This spring portal window may not just be wild — it could go down as the most chaotic in college football history.

Vikings Free Agent Defensive Back Reportedly Eyeing Reunion with Former Team

Veteran DB Stephon Gilmore Reportedly Entertaining Reunion with Former Team Amid Vikings Uncertainty

With the NFL Draft just days away, the Minnesota Vikings appear well-positioned after a busy and aggressive free agency period led by general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah. Armed with ample cap space, the front office made several bold moves to strengthen the roster. However, one area still in need of reinforcements is the cornerback position—especially if Minnesota wants to field a playoff-caliber defense in 2025.

Currently, Byron Murphy Jr. sits atop the depth chart at CB1, having recently inked a new deal that signals his role as the team’s top corner. Behind him is Isaiah Rodgers, a free-agent addition from Philadelphia who’s being paid like a fringe starter. Despite showing flashes, Rodgers has never cemented himself as a full-time starter in his NFL career.

Beyond Murphy and Rodgers, the Vikings’ cornerback room consists of Mekhi Blackmon—still recovering from ACL surgery—and a mix of depth players like Jeff Okudah, Ambry Thomas, Dwight McGlothern, and Bubba Bolden. While some fans and analysts believe this group could hold its own, it’s widely expected that Minnesota will continue seeking additional help at the position between now and the end of training camp.

That brings us to Stephon Gilmore—a name that continues to swirl in the Vikings’ rumor mill.

The 34-year-old veteran was a key part of Minnesota’s defense last season, bringing leadership and savvy play to the secondary. However, Gilmore remains unsigned, and while a return to the Vikings isn’t off the table, he’s reportedly exploring other options. Most notably, there’s been buzz about a possible reunion with one of his former teams: the Dallas Cowboys.

Gilmore spent the 2022 season with the Cowboys, where he made a strong impression, and it appears Dallas could be interested in bringing him back as they retool their own secondary. Given his 13-year NFL journey that has included stints with six different franchises, Gilmore’s experience and versatility remain attractive qualities for contenders seeking stability in the backfield.

The Vikings, meanwhile, remain in a holding pattern—hoping to either strike a deal with a proven veteran like Gilmore or potentially address the cornerback need in the early rounds of the draft. One thing’s clear: Minnesota isn’t done building just yet, and the secondary could be the next area to get a serious upgrade.

Virginia Tech Offensive Lineman Bob Schick Reportedly Enters Transfer Portal

Virginia Tech Veteran O-Lineman Bob Schick Enters Transfer Portal, Capping Off Complete Offensive Line Turnover

Virginia Tech’s offensive line room is undergoing a total transformation this offseason—and now it’s officially complete. According to reports from his agents, veteran offensive lineman Bob Schick has entered the transfer portal, becoming the latest and final piece to exit from last season’s starting unit.

Schick, a reliable and experienced presence up front, started 23 games over the past two seasons and played in 38 contests throughout his four-year tenure in Blacksburg. He earned a 60.7 grade on Pro Football Focus in 2024 and was seen as a dependable depth option heading into the fall. By the end of spring practice, however, Schick appeared to have slid down to the second-team unit, signaling a possible change in direction for the Hokies.

With Schick’s departure, all five of Virginia Tech’s primary starting offensive linemen from the 2023 season are officially gone. Seniors Kaden Moore and Parker Clements graduated, while standout linemen Xavier Chaplin (Auburn) and Braelin Moore (LSU) transferred earlier in the offseason.

In response to the massive turnover, new offensive line coach Matt Moore—brought in from West Virginia—has quickly reshaped the position group. He added three familiar faces from Morgantown in Tomas Rimac, Kyle Altuner, and Lucas Austin, all of whom are expected to compete for starting roles this fall.

Following spring ball, Virginia Tech’s likely top seven offensive linemen include Johnny Garrett and Rimac at tackle, Layth Ghannam, Montavious Cunningham, and Brody Meadows at guard, and Altuner and Tommy Ricard anchoring the center spots. This revamped group will be tasked with building chemistry and protecting what’s expected to be a dynamic Hokies backfield in 2025.

Schick becomes the eighth Hokie to enter the spring transfer portal window, which remains open until Friday. He joins QB Davi Belfort, offensive linemen Caleb Nitta and Web Davidson, defensive lineman Jorden McDonald, linebackers Jayden McDonald and Cameren Fleming, and defensive back Braylon Johnson.

As the offseason continues, the Hokies’ coaching staff will now shift their focus to development, depth-building, and solidifying the trenches ahead of a crucial 2025 campaign.