Sudanese Stretch-Forward Joins Hokies’ Hoops Ranks
Virginia Tech men’s basketball secures a commitment from Class of 2026 wing Eltayeb Eltayeb, a 6-foot-8 prospect who grew seven inches in a year and averaged 21.3 points per game at Sunrise Christian Academy. His arrival provides depth for the 2026–27 squad amid a veteran-heavy roster, and he represents a low-risk, high-reward addition if his long-term development pans out.
Cue the popcorn: Hokies coaches find a human giraffe in Sudan, throw him a jersey and hope his growth spurt turns him into the next dunking sensation. After a season that ended with an overtime heartbreak, Tech needed a tall tale, so they drafted Eltayeb the Ebony Ivory Tower. If he flops, at least they can blame his 170-pound frame—nothing a few more protein shakes and some engineering can’t solve, right? College basketball’s version of “extreme makeover” is live in Blacksburg.
Left-Handed Ace Swift Jumps into Baseball’s Portal
Chase Swift, Virginia Tech’s reliable lefty reliever, has announced his intention to enter the transfer portal after posting a 3.83 ERA and 85 strikeouts over 51.2 innings. Swift dominated midweek starts as a freshman and became a bullpen stalwart in 2026, recording over two months without yielding an earned run. His portal move coincides with draft eligibility and leaves Tech scrambling to replace a versatile arm.
Breaking news: Swift has “swiftly” relocated his ambitions out of Hokie Country. Turns out, consistent success is no match for the siren song of leverage and new NIL contracts. Meanwhile, Tech’s bullpen is now like a buffet with half the dishes missing—chefs scrambling to concoct new arms from the portal pantry. Let’s hope they didn’t burn all their portal picks on that souvenir foam finger.
Cornerback Catch: Barrett Locks in for 2027 Class
Virginia Tech lands three-star cornerback Austin Barrett from Paramus High in New Jersey, adding a versatile defensive back who logged 43 tackles, two picks (one returned for a touchdown), four pass breakups, and multiple forced turnovers. Standing 6-1 with experience at multiple positions, Barrett chose the Hokies over offers from Auburn, Boston College, Syracuse and more, bolstering Tech’s 2027 secondary.
Ah, the glamorous life of recruiting: coaches fawn over anyone who can catch, tackle, and maybe toss a buck from a highlight reel. Barrett’s talent was more hotly pursued than free pizza at orientation. With his multi-positional résumé, he’ll either become Tech’s next shutdown corner or the guy who lines up at quarterback when injuries mount. Either way, it’s a win-win for the coaching staff’s highlight reels.
Injured RHP Weber Heads for Greener Transfer Pastures
Ben Weber, Virginia Tech’s right-handed reliever, will enter the transfer portal after a season cut short by injury. Weber threw just 10.2 innings with a 7.59 ERA in 2026 but was previously a reliable sinker/slider specialist. Pending a medical hardship waiver, he follows teammate Chase Swift in seeking a fresh start elsewhere, forcing Tech to refill its long-relief corps for 2027.
Because nothing says “thank you for your service” like a transfer portal exit sign, Weber is making his grand theatrical departure. After a spring of bruised ribs and less-than-ideal ERAs, he’s off to greener pastures where the coaching staff hasn’t memorized his injury report. Meanwhile, Tech fans can start a voodoo doll collection to summon a new bullpen savior. Better luck next inning, Ben.
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