Despite it being the offseason, the Virginia Tech football program continues to make some headlines. Head coach James Franklin has been adding to his staff, plucking some of his former coaches from his last stop at Penn State.
While there have been some retention and holdovers from the previous staff, including Brent Pry returning as the defensive coordinator next season under Franklin, and offensive line coach Matt Moore and wide receivers coach Fontal Mines returning as well. Cornerbacks coach Derek Jones announced earlier this month that he wasn't returning, and on Monday, another assistant coach announced he won't be back and is moving on.
Safties coach Pierson Prioleau, who went to Virginia Tech, announced on his X account that the school will always be special to him as he moves on to his next chapter. Good luck to Prioleau at his next stop.
I'd like to thank all the players, coaches and Hokie Nation for the last seven years in Blacksburg. It's been an honor! This place will always be special to me. I'm excited about my next chapter and opportunity! pic.twitter.com/MVYZX9heU3
— Pierson Prioleau (@DBCoachPrioleau) December 22, 2025
Virginia Tech gets some key retention for 2026
Last week, it was reported that running back Jeffrey Overton, Jr., who impressed in November, was returning for 2026, which was big and gives Franklin a talented running back room with incoming freshman Massiah Mickens and, hopefully, getting retention from Marcellous Hawkins as well. On Monday, more players announced that they are running it back at Virginia Tech in 2026.
Offensive lineman Brody Meadows announced on his X account that he's returning, as did cornerback Joshua Clarke and safety Sheldon Robinson. The 6-foot-2, 203-pound Robinson from Woodberry Forest, Virginia, registered 21 tackles this season for the Hokies in five games. He had a game-high four in Virginia Tech's 34-17 loss to Miami in late November.
Virginia Tech offers OL from Georgia
The Hokies were the latest to enter the mix for interior offensive lineman Kendrayis Jones from Georgia. The Class of 2027 standout holds several offers, including ones from Pittsburgh, Wake Forest, and North Carolina State. It'll be interesting to see where his recruitment goes over the next year before signing day next December.