Virginia Tech Tied to Big 12 Highly Gifted Star in Blockbuster Game-Changing Transfer Move

As spring progresses, Virginia Tech head men’s basketball coach Mike Young continues to reshape his roster in preparation for what is shaping up to be yet another season of significant transition for the Hokies. Following a challenging 2024–25 campaign, Young has seen several players exit the program, but he has also made notable additions that could help steer the team in a better direction next season.

Among the key departures are Brandon Rechsteiner and Patrick Wessler, both of whom made meaningful contributions during their time in Blacksburg, even though their minutes fluctuated throughout the season. Their absence creates both a void and an opportunity for new faces to step in and elevate the team.

One unresolved question remains in the form of the star, who entered the NBA Draft process while preserving his collegiate eligibility. Though he has yet to make a final decision, many expect him to ultimately return to Virginia Tech for his final year of eligibility. If he does, his return would be a massive boost for the Hokies on both ends of the floor, adding much-needed experience and physicality to the frontcourt as Tobi Lawal is a skilled star

So far, Young has made considerable headway in retooling his roster, bringing in several promising newcomers from the transfer portal. He has secured commitments from two guards: Jailen Bedford from UNLV and Izaiah Pasha from Delaware, both of whom bring scoring potential and athleticism to the backcourt. In addition, he landed Amani Hansberry, a forward from West Virginia, who is expected to bring size, rebounding, and versatility to the frontcourt rotation.

The additions

will join a core group of returning players that includes Ben Hammond, Jaden Schutt, and Tyler Johnson, who are all expected to play major roles in the 2025–26 season. This mix of returning talent and fresh faces offers some hope for a bounce-back year after the Hokies stumbled to a disappointing 13–19 finish, capped off by a first-round ACC Tournament exit at the hands of California.

Still, Young’s offseason efforts appear to be far from over. Virginia Tech is reportedly active in the transfer portal and is currently targeting C.J. Jones, a 6-foot-5 guard from Kansas State. Jones recently had a Zoom meeting with USC after speaking with Coach Young and the Hokies, suggesting that Virginia Tech remains firmly in contention for his commitment.

Jones averaged 5.7 points, 1.7 assists, and 1.5 rebounds per game for the Wildcats last season while shooting 41% from the field in 33 games, logging an average of 19 minutes per game. His size and experience in the Big 12 make him an intriguing target for the Hokies, especially as they continue to bolster their backcourt depth and overall scoring options.

Coach Young made it clear following the Hokies’ early exit from the ACC Tournament in March that a repeat performance would not be tolerated. He emphasized that the program would be aggressive in improving the roster and hinted that Virginia Tech’s NIL resources would be expanded to help attract higher-caliber talent. Early returns suggest he’s following through on that promise, as the Hokies are actively working to assemble a more competitive and well-rounded squad for the upcoming season.

While questions still linger—particularly around Lawal’s status and additional portal pursuits—Virginia Tech is clearly moving with urgency this offseason. If Coach Young can continue to fill out the roster with quality additions, the Hokies may very well be in a position to flip the script and re-establish themselves as contenders in the ACC.