Last year was a tough season for injuries for the Virginia Tech football team. Two players, Tucker Holloway and Kemari Copeland, suffered season-ending injuries and were key losses for the Hokies.
Holloway was lost before the season even began as he suffered a knee injury in spring camp in 2024, which was a big blow to the Hokies' special teams and wide receiver room. Copeland transferred in from Community College in Iowa and figured to be a big piece of the d-line, but he suffered a season-ending injury with a torn tricep. Both players are looking for huge 2025 seasons and were named to a preseason watch list.
Kemari Copeland and Tucker Holloway named to Comeback Player of the Year Watch List for 2025
The 2025 Comeback Player of the Year Watch List was released with 75 names on it, and both Holloway and Copeland made it from Virginia Tech. Both players are expected to be huge contributors for the Hokies this fall.
Holloway's biggest value is as a kick returner, and he ranked seventh in the country in 2023 with an average of 12.7 yards per return. Last season, Jaylin Lane took over the duties, for the most part, returning punts in Holloway's place, but getting him back and returning punts will be huge this season.
As far as Copeland goes, the 6-foot-3, 283-pound Virginia Beach native made six tackles in four games last season after coming over from Iowa Western Community College before suffering his injury. Like Holloway, he's fully healthy entering 2025 and is a big piece of the defensive line for new defensive coordinator Sam Siefkes.
Health is a huge concern going into every season for every team, but the Hokies are getting two very good and key football players back for the 2025 season. With the impact they can make, it would not be surprising to see either of them as finalists on this list before the season is over.