Hokies’ Depth Chart Duel: Ranking Every Position Group
Based on Virginia Tech’s returning production, incoming transfers and an updated two-deep roster under coach James Franklin, every position group has been ranked heading into fall camp. Tight ends top the list thanks to Penn State transfer Luke Reynolds’ 368 yards and multi-year starter Benji Gosnell, with Ja’Ricous Hairston providing explosive potential. The backfield slots in at No. 2, led by 749-yard rusher Marcellous Hawkins plus promising options like Jeffrey Overton Jr. and Louisiana transfer Bill Davis. Quarterbacks earn third thanks to Penn State alum Ethan Grunkemeyer’s 1,339 passing yards and Bryce Baker’s upside. Defensive line and wide receivers follow, boosted by veteran playmakers and fresh ACC talent. Offensive line shows high ceiling but remains projection-dependent, while secondary and linebackers face significant “prove-it” moments after last season’s struggles.
Ah, the old “depth chart hierarchy”—the one list every college football fan pretends to care about until kickoff. Sure, tight ends are king now, but let’s remember: two weeks from today, someone will tear an ACL, another will moonwalk into a transfer portal, and suddenly the fourth-string long snapper is our only hope. Yet here we are, ranking heroics based on spreadsheets and Twitter buzz. Who knew that stacking bodies on a roster could feel like organizing Tetris blocks for an apocalypse? Grab your pom-poms, Hokie faithful—fall camp promises more plot twists than a soap opera, and these power rankings will be buried by October faster than you can say “false start.”
New Coach on Deck: Rich Witten Joins Hokies Baseball Ops
Virginia Tech baseball has hired former FIU head coach Rich Witten as general manager and director of baseball operations. Witten, who played catcher at Coastal Carolina and coached at Miami, Winthrop and VCU, led FIU to back-to-back Conference USA tournament berths despite an overall 42-68 conference record. At Virginia Tech, he will oversee administrative duties, recruiting coordination and on-field support, bringing a decade of coaching and managerial experience. Athletic director Whit Babcock lauded Witten’s blend of baseball savvy and administrative skill, calling the hire “a major boost” for Hokie baseball as they look to build on recent NCAA Regional appearances.
Nothing says “we mean business” like hiring the guy who couldn’t quite crack the postseason at FIU—but hey, two consecutive tournament bids? The math checks out! Virginia Tech’s brass clearly believe that turning a sub-.500 record into an administrative PowerPoint slideshow is the secret sauce for ACC glory. Rich Witten’s new title—general manager and director of baseball ops—sounds like the kind of role created to justify extra office space and a customized laptop. But fear not, faithful fans: when the Hokies suplex the competition in recruiting and ops, you’ll know it was all thanks to Witten’s conference-leading spreadsheet skills.
Hokies’ Hidden Gem: Jeffrey Overton’s Comeback Trail
Jeffrey Overton Jr. burst onto the scene last November with a 38-yard touchdown run against No. 13 Miami, marking his first career score after missing nearly a year due to an ACL tear. He finished the final four games of 2025 with 146 yards on 25 carries, showcased versatility with a 36-yard reception at Florida State and impressed spring practices at 205 pounds. With starter Marcellous Hawkins recovering from a shoulder injury, Overton led the spring game in rushing. Under new run-game coordinator Norval McKenzie, Overton enters 2026 poised to share a high-octane backfield rather than accept a demotion—and he’ll be available from kickoff against VMI on Sept. 5.
Behold the miraculous recovery narrative: torn ACL, redshirt preserved, bulked up 27 pounds and now poised to threaten the starting job. It’s the kind of feel-good story football fans drool over between bowl games. But let’s be honest—unless your team mailed out commemorative jerseys after one 38-yard romp, do you really believe one highlight run makes you the next Barry Sanders? Still, give the kid credit: he’s mastered the art of spring-practice heroics and offseason weight gain. If Virginia Tech’s passing game improves even slightly, Overton’s second act might just turn into a three-act classic.
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