When the transfer portal opened, Virginia Tech football coach Brent Pry saw an exodus out of the program, something that didn't happen last season. A number of Hokies that had eligibility left on both sides of the entered to find a new home for 2025.
Nearly all of the former Hokies who have left have found a new home and on Sunday, running back Malachi Thomas, who was behind Bhayshul Tuten the last two seasons in Blacksburg, committed to a Big Ten School for next season.
Former Virginia Tech RB Malachi Thomas commits to Purdue
Despite entering the portal, Thomas stayed with Virginia Tech through the Duke's Mayo Bowl on Friday night and even got a carry in the game in the Hokies' 24-10 loss. His carry in the first quarter was for 5 yards before he exited and didn't return. On Sunday, Thomas made it official in committing to Purdue.
Let this new journey begin. #BoilerFootball ⛏️ pic.twitter.com/2c7uCyxuJR
— Malachi HollyWood Thomas (@The__MT1) January 5, 2025
Thomas will play for first-year coach Barry Odom who was hired last month to replace the outgoing Ryan Walters who led the Boilermakers to a win over the Hokies in Blacksburg in 2023.
During his time at Virginia Tech, Thomas was a good backup but saw a drop in his stats this season to 43 carries for 165 yards and a touchdown. He was injured late in the season, but he is a back that runs strong between the tackles, he can catch the ball out of the backfield and even throw it after he tossed a touchdown pass in 2023 against Syracuse for 16 yards.
In 2021, Thomas rushed for 440 yards and three touchdowns, but in the last two seasons, he was behind Tuten and spelled the future draft pick at different times. He should be a nice addition for Odom and Purdue with a lot of experience for next season.