Virginia Tech Strengthens Defensive Front with High-Impact Transfer from FCS Powerhouse
The Virginia Tech Hokies are making serious moves in the transfer portal—and their latest addition could be a game-changer. With spring practice heating up and roster depth being tested, the Hokies have landed a major commitment on the defensive line from one of the top remaining FCS players available: North Dakota State standout Kody Huisman.
After a solid 2024 season that featured one of the ACC’s stronger defensive fronts, Virginia Tech faces the tough challenge of replacing a wave of departing talent. The losses of Aeneas Peebles, Wilfried Pene, Josh Fuga, Antwaun Powell-Ryland, and Cole Nelson leave huge gaps that must be filled quickly. Defensive line coach J.C. Price has been tasked with rebuilding the unit almost from scratch, and the urgency is high as the 2025 season approaches.
Enter Huisman—a 6-foot-4, 283-pound defensive tackle who brings both experience and production. Over four seasons at North Dakota State, a perennial FCS powerhouse, Huisman logged more than 1,200 snaps and amassed 73 tackles, 12.5 tackles for loss, and 3.5 sacks. He’s known not just for his power and consistency, but for stepping up in big moments. In the 2024 FCS semifinal matchup against South Dakota State, Huisman delivered six tackles, two tackles for loss, and a forced fumble, showcasing his ability to disrupt high-stakes games.
Huisman is the first defensive line addition in the spring transfer cycle for Virginia Tech and joins earlier winter portal additions Jahzari Priester (Hampton) and Arias Nash (Mercer). With returners like Kelvin Gilliam and Kemari Copeland—who missed last season due to injury—also in the mix, the Hokies are beginning to piece together a defensive front with both potential and depth.
For head coach Brent Pry and his staff, landing Huisman was a critical win in an offseason filled with transition. His presence brings not only veteran leadership but a much-needed physical edge up front. If the group stays healthy and gels quickly, this revamped defensive line could quietly become one of Virginia Tech’s strengths once again.
As the countdown to the August 30 season opener against South Carolina in Atlanta continues, all eyes will be on how this new-look unit performs. But with Kody Huisman anchoring the middle, Hokies fans have every reason to feel hopeful.