Virginia Tech Makes Noise Again, Snatching UNC Linebacker in Transfer Portal Coup
The Brent Pry era in Blacksburg continues to evolve — and fast. On Monday night, Virginia Tech football landed its second big-time transfer of the evening, this time stealing talent directly from an ACC rival.
Former North Carolina linebacker Michael Short, a Charlotte native, announced his commitment to the Hokies, giving Tech fans yet another reason to believe this defense is on the rise. Short played just one season in Chapel Hill but made an impression, tallying 23 total tackles, including 17 solo stops. He posted a season-high five tackles in a tight 21–20 loss to Duke, showing flashes of high-level potential.
Short joins Immanuel Hickman, a veteran defensive lineman from South Florida, who also committed to the Hokies on the same night. Hickman, a 6-foot-3, 295-pound edge rusher, finished last season with 19 total tackles and 2.5 tackles for loss. Before transferring to USF, Hickman spent three years at East Carolina, where he logged 64 tackles, giving him a solid résumé of experience across multiple programs.
But the Hokies weren’t done reshaping their front seven. Just weeks ago, they secured a commitment from Georgia Southern standout Elhadj Fall, one of the Sun Belt Conference’s most disruptive interior linemen. The 6-foot-4, 290-pound DT was an All-Sun Belt Honorable Mention in 2024, racking up 20 tackles, 4.5 tackles for loss, 2.5 sacks, and even blocking a PAT while appearing in all 13 games.
These additions come at a pivotal time for Virginia Tech. After a disappointing 6–7 finish to the 2024 season, Coach Brent Pry has overseen an aggressive roster overhaul. Over 20 players have exited the program, and both offensive and defensive coordinators were replaced. Pry brought in Phillip Montgomery to lead the offense and Sam Siefkes, formerly of the Arizona Cardinals, to take over the defense.
Now, the Hokies’ defensive front features a reloaded cast that includes Kelvin Gilliam Jr., Kemari Copeland, James Djonkam, and Ben Bell, all battling to fill the void left by NFL-bound stars Aeneas Peebles and Antwaun Powell-Ryland Jr.
With the addition of Short and company, Virginia Tech is sending a loud message: the Hokies are retooling, reloading, and ready to rise in the ACC.