The Transfer Portal opens on Jan. 2, and things are about to get crazy. If you thought that the coaching carousel was crazy this fall, the portal always brings a ton of storylines with changes abound. There is only one portal window this year, and it is a big one for James Franklin, his first as head coach at Virginia Tech.
Here is a portal tracker with up-to-date players leaving Blacksburg and players coming into Blacksburg as the roster building for 2026 begins.
Virginia Tech football players entering the transfer portal
Dante Lovett
When Brent Pry was fired back in September, it opened a portal window for players who had the opportunity to enter and save a year of eligibility. Cornerback Dante Lovett was the first player to enter, and he'll have a lot of suitors for him.
Tucker Holloway
Wide receiver Tucker Holloway was another player who entered in September, and he is a big loss in terms of the punt return game, as he was one of the top punt returners in the ACC.
Michael Short
Linebacker Michael Short's stay in Blacksburg was a quick one after coming over from North Carolina. Like Lovett and Holloway, he entered after Pry was fired in September.
Keyshawn Burgos
The fourth player to enter when Pry was fired was veteran defensive lineman Keyshawn Burgos. This was a bit surprising.
Christian Ellis
Another player who transferred in for the 2025 season, cornerback Christian Ellis, entered the portal in October, but he made the biggest play of the season in a win at North Carolina State with a pass breakup on fourth down.
Garret Rangel
Quarterback Garret Rangel, an Oklahoma State transfer, didn't see any action in Blacksburg, and he has one year of eligibility remaining.
Charlie O'Connor
Charlie O'Connor was the second wide receiver, along with Holloway, to enter the portal.
Pop Watson
Fan-favorite quarterback Pop Watson entered the portal after a couple of years in Blacksburg. He saw very limited action in 2025 and maybe deserved more time. He will be remembered for leading Virginia Tech to win over Virginia in November of 2024 to become bowl-eligible.
Cameron Seldon
Another one-and-done at Virginia Tech, wide receiver Cameron Seldon came over from Tennessee and made the transition to wide receiver.
Zeke Wimbush
Tight end Zeke Wimbush, who fell down the depth chart at a position that wasn't used much, is leaving Virginia Tech, and it is surprising.
Jeremiah Coney
Running back Jeremiah Coney, who, like Wimbush at tight end, fell down the depth chart and will transfer.
Braydon Bennett
Running back Braydon Bennett played in four games this season for the Hokies and scored a touchdown against Wofford after coming over from Coastal Carolina.
Caleb Brown
Defensive back Caleb Brown is going to enter the portal after just one season with the Hokies. He suffered an injury early in the season which cut his season short.
Arias Nash
Mercer transfer Arias Nash suited up in just three games for the Hokies in 2025 and will be moving on.