When Virginia Tech fired football coach Brent Pry back in September, it was after just three weeks into the season. Since four games had not been played, it allowed players to redshirt and save a year of eligibility.
Some players took advantage of the early firing by entering the Transfer Portal when it opened for 30 days following Pry's firing. Two players who entered the portal, cornerback Dante Lovett and punt return/wide receiver Tucker Holloway, both left Virginia Tech and saved a year of eligibility for 2026.
Both players drew a lot of interest in the portal, and both have committed to new schools for next season.
Two Virginia Tech transfer commit to new schools in the portal
On Monday, Lovett committed to UCLA and new coach Bob Chesney, while Holloway will be heading down to Florida to play at Florida Atlantic.
Lovett was a coveted player once he entered the portal. California and Boise State had some interest in him, but he committed to play in the Big Ten with the Bruins. He was considered a rising star in Blacksburg before he hit the portal. In three years, he recorded 36 tackles and had one interception. He played in two games this season for the Hokies against South Carolina and Old Dominion, where he recorded three tackles in each game.
As for Holloway, he took a visit to Florida State recently, but in the end, he chose the Owls at Florida Atlantic to continue his college career. Holloway missed the entire 2024 season after suffering an injury, and it was a big loss for the Hokies in terms of the punt return game. Holloway was one of the top punt returners in the ACC in 2023.
This season, before entering the portal, he had five catches for 82 yards. He'll be a big addition for Florida Atlantic.