Just when it seemed like Virginia Tech’s defense might be heading into a rebuilding phase, the Hokies made a headline-grabbing move in the transfer portal that could reshape their defensive front for the 2025 season.
Following the departure of defensive coordinator Chris Marve, head coach Brent Pry wasted no time making a bold hire—pulling Sam Siefkes away from the NFL’s Arizona Cardinals to lead Virginia Tech’s defense. But with star defenders like Antwaun Powell-Ryland (drafted by the Eagles) and Aeneas Peebles (picked up by the Ravens) moving on to the pros, questions loomed about who would step up in Blacksburg.
That question got at least part of its answer Monday night when South Florida defensive lineman Immanuel Hickman announced his commitment to Virginia Tech through the transfer portal. The 6-foot-3, 295-pound veteran brings size, strength, and experience to a unit that’s in serious need of leadership and production.
Hickman, a Virginia native, started his college career at East Carolina before transferring to South Florida, where he played in 31 games and racked up 90 tackles. Now, with just one year of eligibility remaining, he’s coming home for what could be a big final chapter—this time in maroon and orange.
Hickman becomes the seventh player added via the transfer portal this spring, as the Hokies continue to aggressively reshape their roster ahead of the 2025 campaign. His addition is not only unexpected but also critical for a defensive line that’s been gutted by NFL departures and graduation.
New coordinator Siefkes now has a reliable veteran to help anchor his system in Year 1—and fans are already buzzing about what this means for the upcoming season.
With summer camp on the horizon, position battles are expected to be fierce, especially on defense where returning players will now be pushed by incoming transfers like Hickman. Many of these returners sat behind NFL-caliber talent last year and are eager to prove they belong in the starting lineup.
The stakes are high, and the message is clear: Virginia Tech isn’t just filling holes—they’re aiming to build something stronger. And with surprise additions like Hickman, don’t count the Hokies out in 2025.