After the Virginia Tech football season ended with a 27-7 loss at Virginia on Thanksgiving Weekend, the James Franklin era officially began in Blacksburg. After that game, all eyes turned to the Hokies' 2025 roster and who Franklin was going to target in terms of retention for 2026.
There were some players on both sides of the ball that fans would love to see return. One of them was freshman running back Jeffrey Overton, Jr., who recently announced he was coming back. Once he was healthy, he impressed in his short stint of action.
Franklin signed the Class of 2026 earlier this month, and in that class was four-star running back Messiah Mickens, who should get some carries next season. There was also Marcellous Hawkins on Virginia Tech's roster, and fans have been waiting for his decision about his future in Blacksburg. On Wednesday morning, he gave fans an early Christmas present when he announced that he was also returning for 2026.
@HokiesFB Lets Run It Back🫣 pic.twitter.com/SiaOmEjKJT
— Marcellous Hawkins (@MarcellousHawk8) December 24, 2025
Virginia Tech gets huge retention with running back Marcellous Hawkins returning for 2026
The Central Missouri transfer had an eye-opening first season at Tech. He rushed for 749 yards on 118 carries and a touchdown. He also caught 12 passes for 74 yards and a touchdown. As far as rushing the ball, he averaged 6.3 yards, and he broke in late October against California. He rushed for 167 yards in 21 carries in the Hokies' 42-34 double overtime win. Hawkins also rushed for 102 yards against Florida State.
Hawkins, who was injured against Miami and missed the Virginia game, returning gives Franklin and new running backs coach Norval McKenzie a perfect running back room with Overton, Jr., and Mickens. It wouldn't be surprising to see another back maybe added through the portal, but the running back room looks perfect for 2026.