Hokies Portal Shake-Up: Linebacker Loss to MAC School, but ACC Guard Target Still in Play
The transfer portal continues to bring a wave of twists for Virginia Tech athletics, and this week is no different. Head football coach Brent Pry has already made some notable moves to bolster the defense this spring, adding depth to the line and secondary. But the linebacker position still needs urgent attention—especially after Jayden McDonald’s unexpected decision to enter the portal left a gap in the middle of the defense.
One promising solution was Purdue transfer Hudson Miller. The Hokies were reportedly in the mix and had even scheduled a visit with the two-year-eligible linebacker. But in a sudden shift, Virginia Tech canceled Miller’s visit last week, according to Tim Thomas of The Tech Lunch Pail. On Tuesday, Miller committed to Toledo, choosing the MAC program over the Hokies and others. With Miller off the board, Pry and his staff will need to refocus their portal strategy to find a linebacker who can contribute immediately.
Meanwhile, on the basketball court, the Hokies are staying active in the portal as well—and this time with a chance to make a key addition. Virginia Tech is reportedly in the mix for former Miami guard Divine Ugochukwu, who recently entered the portal after just one season with the Hurricanes. The Texas native has drawn interest from multiple programs, and Virginia Tech is believed to be one of the schools in pursuit.
Ugochukwu averaged 5.3 points and 2.3 assists per game last season, showing flashes of potential—especially in a memorable performance in Blacksburg where he tallied seven points and seven rebounds in a tight 86-85 Hokies win. That kind of poise in a hostile ACC environment hasn’t gone unnoticed. With the Hokies actively looking to strengthen their backcourt depth through the portal, Ugochukwu’s skill set and experience could make him a valuable addition.
While the linebacker situation remains unsettled, the basketball team’s pursuit of Ugochukwu offers hope that Virginia Tech can still come out of this portal cycle stronger on both sides of the athletic spectrum. Expect more movement in the coming weeks as both programs continue to reload.