Elon’s Lefty Finds New Home in Hokies’ Bullpen
Mike Staiano, a southpaw from Elon and former Manhattan College standout, has officially committed to Virginia Tech. Over 51 career appearances and 94.2 innings, Staiano sports a 5.61 ERA, 100+ strikeouts, and a four-pitch arsenal ranging from high-80s fastballs to a looping curveball. In 2026, he posted a 4.78 ERA across 33.1 innings, striking out nearly 23% of batters faced. Though primarily a relief option—especially after single-scoreless innings against Wake Forest—Staiano’s knack for limiting extra-base damage (.366 slugging) and overall .733 OPS allowed should bolster a Hokies bullpen depleted by recent departures. With this addition, VT’s roster hits 34, but competition remains fierce with 10 freshmen and JUCO transfers vying for spots, indicating more portal moves ahead.
Move over Cy Young contenders—Virginia Tech’s new bullpen whisperer is here! Mike Staiano arrives fresh from Elon’s bullpen with stats that scream, “I’ll mop the floor with your offense… occasionally.” Despite permitting the occasional hit parade, his knack for preventing extra-base hits is akin to claiming “I’ll only let you get on first, but good luck making it home!” The Hokies, starved for relief arms after watching past closers vanish like socks in a dryer, now parade a bullpen whose depth is measured in JUCO acronyms. Expect lively spring tryouts where freshmen and transfers duel in seesawing drills until four are mercilessly cut—survival of the spinniest curveball, folks. Stay tuned as VT hunts for its next bullpen unicorn, possibly via psychic reading of transfer portal tea leaves.
Hokies and Hawkeyes to Battle on Neutral Hardwood
Virginia Tech men’s basketball will take on Iowa at the Tyson Events Center in Sioux City on Nov. 10, marking their second in-state neutral clash since a 2009 Big Ten/ACC Challenge appearance. The Hokies boast a perfect 4-0 record against the Hawkeyes, with previous wins in 2006, 2009, 2012, and 2017. Last season, Iowa went 24-13, reaching the Elite Eight under coach Ben McCollum after upsetting top seeds Florida and Nebraska. With 10 non-conference contests set and a full 28-game ACC slate lined up, VT’s 2026–27 schedule also includes the Charleston Classic, matchups with Ole Miss, Old Dominion, and a host of conference foes both home and away. TV details will follow.
Nothing says “prime basketball action” like draping two college teams over the middle of Iowa on a Tuesday night! The Hokies and Hawkeyes will joust in Sioux City, proving once and for all that traveling five miles is as neutral as you can get. Virginia Tech, ever the schedule hoarder, now boasts more non-conference games than a Netflix binge—10 so far, plus 28 ACC dates that’ll have fans penciling in bathroom breaks. Meanwhile, Iowa, fresh off Elite Eight stardom, must wonder if they’re playing for a trophy or just avoiding soul-crushing prairie winds. Stay tuned for TV times, probably announced right before tip-off to ensure you scramble like a caffeinated squirrel for your remote.
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