One rather big need facing Virginia Tech football coach James Franklin this portal cycle was clearly at wide receiver. Ayden Green, the Hokies' top receiver in 2025, is returning to play for Franklin and the new Virginia Tech staff.
Greene is a very good player to build the wide receiver room around, but there was no doubt that there needed to be some additions. Earlier this week, the Hokies picked up a commitment from a player familiar to Franklin and the former Penn State offensive coaches who are following him to Blacksburg in Jeff Exinor, Jr. Late on Saturday afternoon, Duke transfer Que'Sean Brown, a slot receiver, committed to Virginia Tech. A few hours later, Franklin and offensive coordinator Ty Howle added another Transfer Portal commitment.
Virginia Tech gets a commitment from Louisiana Tech WR Marlion Jackson
Louisiana Tech wide receiver Marlion Jackson committed to Franklin, and he comes to Blacksburg with two years of eligibility remaining as a redshirt junior. The 6-foot-2, 205-pound Flowery Branch, Georgia native entered the portal on Jan. 5, shortly after the Bulldogs' 23-14 Radiance Technologies Independence Bowl win over Coastal Carolina. In the game on Dec. 30, Jackson had three receptions for 87 yards and a touchdown.
Jackson spent three seasons with Louisiana Tech, and 2025 was the best of his time with the Bulldogs. He had 20 catches for 370 yards and two touchdowns. In his previous two seasons with Louisiana Tech, Jackson had 26 receptions for 383 yards and a touchdown.
His best game was on Oct. 21 in a 28-27 loss to Western Kentucky in overtime when he had six catches for 103 yards. His other touchdown reception was on Sept. 13 in a 49-14 rout of New Mexico State. Against Coastal Carolina and the Bulldogs, trailing 14-6 early in the fourth quarter, Jackson closed the game to 14-12 with 11:45 left in the game with a 52-yard touchdown reception. The Hokies are hoping he'll make some big plays over the next couple of seasons.