Hokies’ Offensive Line Overhaul Complete as Veteran Bob Schick Enters Transfer Portal
Virginia Tech’s offensive line transformation is officially complete, and the latest move seals it. Veteran offensive lineman Bob Schick has entered the transfer portal, marking the departure of the last remaining starter from the Hokies’ 2023 offensive line unit.
Schick’s decision was first reported by sources close to his camp and confirmed Wednesday morning via his personal Instagram account. A staple on the offensive front, Schick started 23 games over the past two seasons and played in 38 total contests across four years in Blacksburg. He earned a 60.7 Pro Football Focus grade for his 2024 campaign but appeared to be slipping down the depth chart, finishing spring practice as part of the second-team unit.
His exit represents the final chapter in what has been a major offseason reshuffle for Virginia Tech in the trenches. All five of the Hokies’ main starting offensive linemen from last season are now gone. Kaden Moore and Parker Clements graduated, while standout tackles Xavier Chaplin and Braelin Moore transferred to SEC powerhouses Auburn and LSU, respectively.
New offensive line coach Matt Moore—who joined from West Virginia—didn’t waste time restocking the cupboard. He brought with him three familiar faces in Tomas Rimac, Kyle Altuner, and Lucas Austin via the transfer portal. These additions, along with rising talent already in the program, have reshaped the Hokies’ offensive front.
As spring practices concluded, Virginia Tech’s projected top seven linemen featured Johnny Garrett and Rimac at tackle, Layth Ghannam, Montavious Cunningham, and Brody Meadows at guard, and Altuner and Tommy Ricard rotating at center.
Schick becomes the eighth Hokie to hit the portal during the NCAA’s spring transfer window, which closes Friday. Others joining him include quarterback Davi Belfort, offensive linemen Caleb Nitta and Web Davidson, defensive lineman Jorden McDonald, linebacker duo Jayden McDonald and Cameren Fleming, and defensive back Braylon Johnson.
As the Brent Pry era continues to evolve, Virginia Tech is leaning heavily into its rebuild, using the portal to inject new talent and recalibrate depth. While Schick’s leadership and experience will be missed, the Hokies are clearly signaling a bold new direction up front—one they hope will lead to greater consistency and dominance in the trenches come fall.