Virginia Tech AD Whit Babcock Addresses NIL and Its Role in Revitalizing Athletics
Virginia Tech’s men’s basketball team had a tough 2024-25 season, finishing with a disappointing 13-19 record and an 8-12 mark in ACC play. Despite the struggles, head coach Mike Young worked hard to navigate a roster full of turnover, proving his coaching prowess under challenging circumstances. However, a significant conversation that surfaced around the team this season was the lack of resources—a concern that had been brewing for a while.
This issue wasn’t just chatter; it was a real challenge. For instance, the mysterious departure of Kenny Brooks from Blacksburg last year raised suspicions, with many speculating that the lack of resources for the women’s program played a key role in his exit. While the exact reasons remain unclear, it was a clear sign that Virginia Tech’s athletic programs were facing financial hurdles that hindered their ability to compete at the highest levels.
To be clear, no one expected Virginia Tech to have the same budget as basketball powerhouses like Duke or North Carolina, but the stark discrepancy in resources dedicated to their basketball programs was hard to ignore. This was a problem that needed urgent attention for the Hokies to keep up in an increasingly competitive landscape.
However, there’s good news on the horizon. The Hokies are set to change that narrative moving into next season. With the transfer portal now open, the university is making strides to improve its NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) resources, aiming to attract better talent and keep key players like Tobi Lawal on board. These changes are expected to give Virginia Tech a more competitive edge in recruiting and player retention.
That said, Virginia Tech isn’t the only school making moves. In fact, the competition is ramping up. For example, the University of Virginia recently hired Ryan Odom as their new head coach and is reportedly about to receive a substantial NIL boost to help build a stronger, more competitive roster.
On March 19, 2025, Virginia Tech Athletic Director Whit Babcock took the opportunity to address these challenges in an interview with reporters, including Andy Bitter of Tech Sideline. Babcock discussed the importance of NIL in leveling the playing field for the Hokies, acknowledging that while progress is being made, other teams are also enhancing their resources. The key takeaway? Virginia Tech is working hard to catch up, but the landscape of college sports is shifting rapidly, and maintaining competitiveness will require continued investment in NIL and other resources.