Virginia Tech 2024 non-conference football opponent adds interesting transfer quarterback

Following their final game in November, the Vanderbilt football team lost several players to the transfer portal. Why is that important? Virginia Tech will kick off the 2024 season on Labor Day Weekend in Nashville with a non-conference game against the Commodores at Nissan Stadium.

Looking to replace some of the players that they lost, Vanderbilt has been adding players for next season and they have landed their quarterback for next season. If there is anything to take from the commitment, it’s going to make for an interesting challenge for the Hokies defense in the season-opener.

Vanderbilt adds Diego Pavia in the transfer portal

Former New Mexico State quarterback Diego Pavia committed to the Commodores for the 2024 season and he will bring a challenge to what will be a new-look defense for defensive coordinator Chris Marve. The Hokies return Antwaun Powell-Ryland and Josh Fuga but added transfers Aeneas Peebles, Kelvin Gilliam, and Kemari Copeland along the front and linebacker Sam Brumfield. 

Pavia is a mobile QB who threw for 2,973 yards in 2023 with 26 touchdowns and nine interceptions. He rushed for 928 yards and seven touchdowns, which led New Mexico State. That was mostly against Conference USA teams and let’s not kid ourselves about the massive drop off from CUSA teams to SEC teams. He led the Aggies over Auburn this season, 31-10, in November.

For the second consecutive season, the Hokies will begin the season with their four non-conference games and they will get Pavia and Vanderbilt on the road. It remains to be seen if Pavia will be an SEC quarterback after playing Conference USA and he’ll face much more talented defenses than he has in the past, but for opening weekend, he’ll provide Virginia Tech a good season-opening challenge in Nashville and give them an opportunity against a mobile quarterback who will be in a new system. A good start for the defense is certainly there to be had.