As the Transfer Portal opens on Friday (Jan. 2), things are going to start picking up in terms of players making some surprising entries to the portal. As far as Virginia Tech goes, they are losing some key players to the portal as new coach James Franklin comes in and begins to build his roster for the 2026 season.
When he was hired, he talked about retaining some players off the 2025 roster that Brent Pry built, who Franklin is bringing back as his defensive coordinator months after he was fired as the head coach in Blacksburg. Pry will have one less linebacker next season, with one potential returner hitting the Transfer Portal.
Virginia Tech LB Caleb Woodson reportedly entering the Transfer Portal
According to Kolby Crawford of VTScoop, linebacker Caleb Woodson is going to enter the Transfer Portal after three seasons with the Hokies. He has one year of eligibility remaining and should be sought after in the portal by several schools.
Woodson returned for his junior season as part of some key retention for Pry last year. In 2024, he racked up a career-high 72 tackles, 26 solo, two sacks, and an interception. This past season, he had 57 tackles, 26 solo. He closes out his Virginia Tech career with 151 tackles over three seasons in Blacksburg.
The 6-foot-3 Virginia native had an interception in 2024 against Duke and was a two-year starter. He was a difference-maker at the second level for Virginia Tech. His departure leaves a void at linebacker, which becomes another position of need through the Transfer Portal.
Quarterback is the top priority, as is wide receiver and both lines, but now the linebacker position, which does have some promising young players, still needs someone with experience this portal cycle. A veteran with a year of experience left would be ideal.