There is not too much to question here in the big picture. Thursday night, Virginia Tech linebacker Sam Brumfield announced he was entering the transfer portal after just one season in Blacksburg. He gained an extra year of eligibility after a recent ruling gave JUCO players more eligibility and he spent three seasons playing at that level.
In last winter's portal, Brumfield committed to the Hokies from Middle Tennessee State with the idea he was going to slide into being the Mike linebacker. He started the season there and finished the 2024 season with 60 tackles and 1.5 sacks. In 2023 for Middle Tennessee State, he was a tackling machine with 82 tackles, 3.5 sacks, and 3 forced fumbles.
Last week it was announced that Virginia Tech linebackers Jaden Keller and Caleb Woodson are both returning in 2025 for the Hokies. That means Keller is likely going to be the Mike LB, a decision that is the right one. He had a breakout campaign this season leading Tech in tackles with 76 and a pair of fumble returns. Thirty-two of his tackles were solo.
Brumfield is the second Hokies' linebacker to enter the portal this cycle after Keli Lawson entered earlier. Christmas Eve, it was announced that he's going to play next season in the Big 12 at Central Florida. Brumfield is 5-foot-11 and 225 pounds and expect him to catch on somewhere else quickly for next season.
Despite getting another year of eligibility, the writing is on the wall with the season that Keller had that he's going to be the guy next season for the new defensive coordinator at Virginia Tech. That leaves Brumfield looking to play elsewhere next season and nothing should be read into this decision. Keller's emergence this season decided for Brent Pry to turn to him in 2025.