As we mentioned earlier this week, Brent Pry and the Virginia Tech football team begin the month of July on commitment watch. There are some recruits who the Hokies need to get a commitment from who are making their decisions ahead of their senior year in the Class of 2026.
One of those recruits is a four-star offensive tackle from Virginia Beach and Green Run High School, Thomas Wilder, who Pry and staff have made it well-known to him that they want him. The lead recruiter is Fontel Mines, as expected, and he will make his decision on Thursday night and is down to Virginia Tech, Penn State, and Maryland. If Wednesday night's Crystal Ball prediction is any indication, the Hokies could be the front runner.
Virginia Tech picks up second Crystal Ball prediction for 4-star Thomas Wilder
Evan Watkins of VTScoop logged a Crystal Ball prediction for Wilder to commit to Virginia Tech, and it's the second Crystal Ball prediction for him in the last two weeks. Penn State (June 6) and Maryland (June 13) got a visit from Wilder before his final one was to Blacksburg on June 20.
The 6-foot-6, 295-pound Wilder is the 25th-ranked offensive tackle according to 247Sports and the 10th-ranked prospect in the Commonwealth in his class. The Hokies have seven commitments in the Class of 2026 and two offensive linemen, Tyrell Simpson and Buddy Wegdam.
This recruiting cycle has been slow for Pry and the Hokies, but Wilder would be a home run get in the class if he does indeed commit to Virginia Tech. First-year offensive line coach Matt Moore has his work cut out for himself this season in rebuilding the line from scratch, but getting a player like Wilder for the future and someone who would be a huge addition is something they need.