When Brent Pry was the head football coach at Virginia Tech, and it came to the Transfer Portal, he never shied away from Virginia players and looked to bring them home to play in the Commonwealth. Now, it appears that new coach James Franklin is looking to do that same thing.
Earlier this week, Ohio State redshirt freshman Eric Mensah entered the Transfer Portal, and if that name rings a bell to Hokies fans, well, it should. The Stafford, Virginia native committed to Pry and Virginia Tech before de-committing and signing with the Buckeyes in the Class of 2023. As soon as he hit the portal, Franklin came calling and ended up landing him.
Ohio State transfer Eric Mensah commits to Virginia Tech
On Sunday, it was announced that Mensah was committed to the Hokies and will come to Blacksburg with three years of eligibility remaining. He will be a big presence along the Virginia Tech defensive line and will be a nice addition for Sean Spencer, the new defensive line coach.
The 6-foot-2, 302-pound Mensah redshirted in 2024 at Ohio State, and he played in one game in 2025 against Grambling State, recording two tackles. He dealt with injuries that cost him some time with the Buckeyes.
Franklin has done a nice job of adding to the Hokies this year and adding players at some key positions. The defensive line has some nice players coming back, but there is a clear need there that is being addressed. Mensah joins a list of transfers coming into Virginia Tech that includes young players who have multiple years left of eligibility.
The makeover of the Virginia Tech roster is well underway, and there are going to be more additions on both sides of the ball. Mensah coming back to Virginia Tech is a big addition for the Hokies.