Recruiting in the Class of 2026 has been a struggle for Virginia Tech football coach Brent Pry. Things have been very frustrating for the Hokies' fourth-year coach, as currently, they have just nine commitments in the class.
They have had a pair of four-star commits in the Class of 2026, quarterback Peyton Falzone and wide receiver Carnell Warren, but they have both since de-committed and landed at other schools. Falzone is currently committed to Auburn, and Warren to North Carolina and Bill Belichick. With camps open and commitments shrinking by the day, the opportunity to add to the class is getting fewer and far between.
After beginning July on commitment watch, the decisions didn't go in favor of the Hokies, but they have an opportunity to add a four-star elite defensive lineman in the class who has pushed back his commitment, but the latest prediction is not great news for Virginia Tech.
Rivals logs prediction for Notre Dame to land four-star DL Elijah Golden
Steven Wiltfong of Rivals logged a prediction for four-star defensive lineman Elijah Golden, and he has predicted that he'll pick Notre Dame when he makes his announcement next week. Golden has a Final 4 of Virginia Tech, Oklahoma, Alabama, and the Irish.
Rivals’ @SWiltfong_ has logged an expert prediction for Notre Dame to land 4-star DL Elijah Golden☘️
— Rivals (@Rivals) August 4, 2025
Read: https://t.co/vLkkMJ2VBN pic.twitter.com/L6Px6mGbdl
Truth be told, if that ends up happening, it wouldn't be surprising. Notre Dame coach Marcus Freeman is putting together a very good and talented class, which also includes a commitment from Nick Reddish, a four-star cornerback and younger brother of current Hokies' Quentin, and Joseph.
Virginia Tech has taken advantage of recruiting in the Commonwealth in the Class of 2026 with the Green Run to Blacksburg train still rolling along, but they have had a promising start in the Class of 2027 with quarterback Ben Musser already committed, hopefully setting the tone for a stronger class.