Virginia Tech Wrestling Lands Game-Changing Transfer in 3-Time NCAA Qualifier Ethen Miller
The Virginia Tech wrestling program just scored a major win off the mat.
On Sunday, head coach Tony Robie and the Hokies landed a pivotal commitment from Ethen Miller, a standout wrestler from the University of Maryland. The three-time NCAA qualifier is set to join Virginia Tech as a redshirt senior for the 2025-26 season, bringing experience, grit, and an impressive resume to a program already buzzing with talent.
Hailing from Kansas City, Miller is coming off an extraordinary season with the Terrapins where he went undefeated in the regular season (20-0) while competing at 157 pounds—a feat not seen at Maryland since 2013-14. His dominant performance earned him the top seed in the Big Ten tournament, where he ultimately finished sixth. That result was still strong enough to punch his ticket to the NCAA Championships as the No. 10 seed, marking his third consecutive national tournament appearance. Over three seasons at Maryland, Miller compiled a stellar 68-23 career record.
Now, Miller arrives in Blacksburg to join a Hokies team that finished 11th nationally at the 2025 NCAA Championships, with nine NCAA qualifiers and three All-Americans. His arrival adds firepower to an already formidable lineup, but it also raises questions—and excitement—about how Robie will reshuffle the weight classes to maximize the squad’s potential.
Virginia Tech already has strength at 157 pounds with redshirt sophomore Rafael Hipolito Jr., the reigning 2025 ACC Champion, holding down that spot. At 149 pounds, Miller’s former class before moving up, sits 2024 national champion Caleb Henson, a back-to-back NCAA finalist who’s not going anywhere. So where does Miller fit?
A move to 165 pounds could be on the horizon, offering a tantalizing solution. The Hokies have lacked a national-caliber wrestler in that slot since Mekhi Lewis captured the program’s first NCAA title in 2019. Miller’s strength, versatility, and proven track record make him a strong candidate to step up and anchor the middleweight group in 2025-26.
With Miller’s addition, Virginia Tech’s lineup gets even more dangerous. His presence not only deepens the roster but sends a clear message: the Hokies are building toward a legitimate run at national wrestling dominance.