The Transfer Portal window has come and gone, and things are just about set for new Virginia Tech football coach James Franklin in terms of his overhaul of the roster for the 2026 season. He got some retention from the 2025 team in some key areas, while also getting some key additions from the portal, along with a talented incoming freshmen class, where some could make a bigger impact than some think.
With that said, the portal news is quiet for the most part. Let's dive into a way-too-early Virginia Tech football depth chart.
Virginia Tech's way-too-early 2026 Depth Chart projection
Quarterback
Starter: Ethan Gurnkemeyer
Backup: Bryce Baker
Depth: Troy Huhn, Kelden Ryan, AJ Brand
This is Grunkemeyer's job going into spring practices and fall camp. You have to be excited if you're a Virginia Tech fan, given the way that he led Penn State last season back from a 3-6 record to become bowl-eligible and then capped it off with a win over Clemson in the Pinstripe Bowl. UNC transfer Bryce Baker will push him, along with incoming freshman Troy Huhn.
Running Back
Starter: Marcellous Hawkins
Backup: Jeffrey Overton, Jr., Bill Davis
Depth: Messiah Mickens, Tyler Mason
Getting both Hawkins and Overton Jr. to come back was some big retention for Franklin. Hawkins, when healthy, can be a game-breaker. Davis is going to be a nice addition from the portal, and don't be surprised to see Mickens, a freshman, get some carries. This has the potential to be a talented room when all is said and done.
Wide Receiver
Starters: Ayden Greene, Que'Sean Brown, Marilon Jackson
Backups: Snook Peterkin, Takye Heath, Keylen Adams
Depth: Davion Brown, Cam Sparks, Jeff Exinor, Jr., Tyseer Denmark, Luke Stuewe
There is a lot to like with this group. Greene coming back is big, and he is likely to see a lot of targets from Grunkemeyer. Brown coming over from Duke is a huge addition and a big threat in the passing game. There are a lot of young players here just waiting to break out as early as 2026. Again, there is a ton of potential with this group in the fall.
Tight Ends
Starters: Benji Gosnell, Luke Reynolds
Backups: Ja'Ricous Hairston, Harrison Saint Germain
Depth: Matt Henderson, Pierce Petershon
Speaking of a position with a ton of potential in 2026. The tight ends are going to be big in the new offense that Franklin and his staff run. Gosnell has been big the last couple of years, but Reynolds brings a different dynamic from Penn State. Hairston broke out in 2025 with some big catches, and Saint Germain has been around for a couple of seasons. Petersohn is an interesting incoming freshman.
Offensive Line
Left Tackle
Starter: Johnny Garrett
Backup: Justin Terry
Left Guard
Starter: Layth Ghannam
Backup: Montavius Cunningham
Center
Starter: Kyle Altuner
Backup: Tommy Ricard
Right Guard
Starter: Brody Meadows
Backup: Gavin Crawford
Right Tackle
Starter: Aidan Lynch
Backup: Logan Howland
Depth: Thomas Wilder, Marlen Bright, Roseby Lubintus, Tyrell Simpson, Buddy Wegdam, Maddox Cochrane
There is a lot that can change here with the whole line for coach Matt Moore. Cunningham is hoping to get another year of eligibility and will go with him getting it until he doesn't. Transfer Terry and Howland could be big contributors as newcomers. Overall, this unit needs to be better in 2026 as a whole. There are some promising freshmen in this group as well.
Defensive Line
Defensive Ends
Depth: Curtis Jones, Javion Hilson, Jason Abbey, Deric Dandy, Aycen Stevens, Zeke Chinwike, Sherrod Henderson, Cortez Harris, Daniel Jennings, Mylachi Williams .
Defensive Tackles
Edge Depth: Kemari Copeland, Elhadj Fall, Emmett Laws, Gerard Johnson, Andrew Hanchuk, Christian Evans, Eric Mensah.
There is a lot of talent in this group and a lot of raw young talent. Kemari Copeland is a key returner, but there is a lot of mixing and matching that could go one and Sean Spencer is going to have some interesting decisions depending on how things play out in spring ball and camp.
Linebackers
Depth: Noah Chambers, Kaleb Spencer, Keon Wylie, Antwone Santiago, Brett Clatterbaugh, Gabe Williams, Terry Wiggins, Mathieu Lamah, John-Patrick Oates.
Another unit where players are going to be moved around and asked to play different positions. Losing Caleb Woodson to the portal and Alabama is a big loss, but Spencer returns with up-and-comer Chambers. Another position that's young, but has a lot of promise.
Defensive Backs
Starters: Thomas Williams, Cam Chadwick
Backups: Jaquez White, Jojo Crim
Depth: Jahmari DeLoatch, Joshua Clarke, Zaevion Cleveland, Amauri Polydor
Chadwick might be one of the more underrated additions on the defensive side of the ball through the portal. He was very good at UConn and should slot in and play some big downs in Blacksburg. Jojo Crim is an interesting young prospect as well.
Nickle
Starter: Isaiah Brown-Murray
Depth: Kenny Woseley, Jr., Knahlij Harrell
Brown-Murray coming back gives the Hokies some serious depth in the secondary, and Harrell is ready to take the next step, and it wouldn't be surprising to see him do it in 2026.
Safety
Starters: Quentin Reddish, Tyson Flowers
Backups: Jordan Bass, Sherrod Covil, Sheldon Robinson
Depth: Tyrell Grant, Brennan Johnson
There are a lot of players back who saw some time in 2025. Covil and Flowers are veterans, and Reddish is ready for a breakout season. Bass is another player who is a veteran, and Robinson has a bright future.