One area that was hit hard by players not returning for the Virginia Tech football team was along the defensive line. Gone are Antwaun Powell-Ryland and Aeneas Peebles, just to name a few, who have gone to the NFL Draft and NFL undrafted free agency.
What was supposed to be a unit that was one of the better ones in the ACC last season, like most of the rest of the roster, they struggled at times, and now will be looking to rebound under first-year defensive coordinator Sam Siefkes. Some returning players will play a big role, but some transfers will play a significant role, including an underrated one.
Virginia Tech DL transfer Arias Nash could be key to the Hokies' DL in 2025
Head coach Brent Pry added some key defensive linemen through the portal for Siefkes, and one, Arias Nash, could be an underrated player this fall. The 6-foot-1, 270-pound Mercer transfer could be considered undersized, but the Charlotte native broke out last season at Marist.
In 14 games, Nash had 53 tackles, 12.5 for a loss, nine sacks, and 14 quarterback hurries from his edge position. He has one year of eligibility remaining and is someone who can play on the edge or on the interior if needed.
Replacing what Virginia Tech lost last season is not going to be replaced by one or two players, but it'll be a team effort. A pass rusher who should fit right into the Hokies' scheme, Nash has proven to be a difference-maker in college football and is ready to make the jump to the ACC. Pro Football Focus listed the Top 5 highest graded returning defensive tackles, and Nash graded out the highest.
Highest Graded Returning ACC Defensive Tackles💪 pic.twitter.com/hPe1UTci0a
— PFF College (@PFF_College) July 13, 2025
This is encouraging for a unit looking for a big turnaround in 2025, and when all is said and done, Nash could end up being an underrated addition that makes an impact for the Hokies.