Virginia Tech football 2024 opponent suffers massive loss to the transfer portal

Last season, the Virginia Tech football team dropped their non-conference game at Rutgers. There were several reasons for the loss as it was the first start at quarterback for Kyron Drones as a Hokie, but also, the Hokies' defense was not able to contain Rutgers' running game.

The 35-16 loss in Week 3 dropped Virginia Tech to 1-2 and the two teams are scheduled for a rematch this season in Blacksburg in Week 4 in what will be the final non-conference games for the Hokies before ACC play begins at Miami. When the two teams gather on Sept. 21, Rutgers will be down one quarterback.

Rutgers QB Gavin Wimsatt enters the transfer portal

As the spring transfer portal was about to close, Rutgers quarterback Gavin Wimsatt entered the transfer portal in what could be considered a rather stunning decision after Minnesota transfer Athan Kalialmanis was named the starter by coach Greg Schiano.

Last season in the Scarlet Knights' win at home, Wimsatt and running back Kyle Monangai proved to be a tough duo for the Virginia Tech defense to contain. Monangai rushed for 143 yards on 16 carries and three touchdowns, including a 55-yard dash to seal the win. Wimsatt threw for just 46 yards and was 7-for-16, but he had 87 yards on the ground on 11 carries and a 34-yard touchdown run.

Wimsatt was one of highest rated recruits at Rutgers and last season he played in every single game, throwing for 1,735 yards, nine touchdowns, and eight interceptions. He added 497 yards on the ground and 11 touchdowns.

There is no doubt that Wimsatt is going to get a lot of interest in the portal, but now Rutgers will have Kalialmanis under center when they come to Blacksburg in September to face a Virginia Tech team looking for revenge for last season's loss in New Jersey.