As expected, new Virginia Tech football coach James Franklin overhauled the Hokies' roster after a dismal 2025 season. There were a lot of comings and goings in the Transfer Portal, as there is with every school each year. On both sides of the ball, there was an overhaul by Franklin, and he even went back to some of his former Penn State players, bringing 12 of them with him to Blacksburg.
There is a lot to like about this portal cycle for Virginia Tech, as there are some players who were added who are going to make an immediate impact in 2026. Here are three players who were brought in from the winter portal who have an opportunity to exceed expectations.
1. Cam Chadwick
On the defensive side of the ball, Franklin got defensive coordinator Brent Pry, yes, the same Brent Pry fired in September, which opened the door for Franklin to come to Virginia Tech, a really good defensive back in the portal in UConn transfer Cam Chadwick.
In two seasons for former coach Jim Mora, the 6-foot-0, 185-pound New Jersey native registered 47 tackles in 2024 as a freshman with two interceptions. As a sophomore in 2025, he had 66 tackles and four picks for a defense that was tough against its Power 4 non-conference opponents. He should step right into the secondary in the fall and make a big contribution. This could be a very underrated addition when all is said and done.
2. Que'Sean Brown
The wide receiver position was one where the Hokies lost Cameron Seldon to the portal, but got some key retention with Ayden Greene, along with some younger receivers. There was still a need through the portal for a wide receiver, and Duke's Que'Sean Brown has the potential to be a big-time addition.
This past season for the Blue Devils, Brown had 64 catches for 846 yards and five touchdowns. He saved his best for last in the Tony the Tiger Sun Bowl against Arizona State. He hauled in 10 passes for 178 yards and a pair of touchdowns in Duke's 42-39 victory. He caught the game-winning touchdown pass from 17 yards out from QB Darian Mansah. He could be a fan-favorite in Blacksburg.
3. Ethan Grunkemeyer
Maybe the biggest Transfer Portal pickup was former Penn State quarterback Ethan Grunkemeyer. The 6-foot-2, 212-pound Ohio native was forced into action in 2025 when starter Drew Allar went down with an injury. It gave Grunkemeyer some valuable experience before coming to Virginia Tech.
He threw for 1,339 yards and eight touchdowns for the Nittany Lions and led them from a 3-6 record to three straight wins to become. bowl-eligible. In a 22-10 Pinstripe Bowl win over Clemson, who the Hokeis will face in 2026, by throwing for 260 yards and a pair of touchdowns while going 23-for-34 in less than ideal weather conditions.