Virginia Tech has made a significant shift in its football program by firing head coach Brent Pry after a dismal start to the season. The Hokies recorded their first 0-3 start in 38 years, prompting the decision. This move has already led to repercussions in the recruiting landscape, particularly in the Hampton Roads area, where three top recruits have decommitted from the program.
For years, Virginia Tech was a prime destination for high school football talent in Hampton Roads. Notable players like Kam Chancellor and Vince Hall once chose to join the Hokies, contributing to a strong local pipeline. However, this trend has changed in recent years. From 2019 to 2023, only five local players committed to Virginia Tech, with none from the Class of 2023.
Despite a promising recruitment effort under Pry, which included commitments from Keylen Adams and Gerard Johnson, both ranked highly in the Class of 2024, uncertainty now looms over the program’s future. Following Pry’s dismissal, three local prospects—Thomas Wilder, Zaevion Cleveland, and Kamren Johnson—have announced that they are reopening their recruitment.
Wilder, a four-star prospect and rated the No. 2 senior in Hampton Roads, has garnered over 20 offers from prominent programs, including Penn State and North Carolina. Cleveland, a three-star recruit, is similarly sought after, while Johnson, also rated as a three-star, had previously chosen Virginia Tech over several other schools.
The impact of Pry’s firing extends beyond these three players. Joshua Pittman, a linebacker from King’s Fork and ranked No. 5 in Hampton Roads, remains committed, though his status could change as the coaching situation evolves. The transfer portal, which allows athletes to switch schools with relative ease, adds further uncertainty regarding the future of current Hokies players from the area.
Local coaches have expressed mixed feelings about the recent developments. Green Run coach Brandon Williams noted that while Pry was a respected figure in the program, college football is ultimately about winning. He acknowledged the shock of the firing, especially after such a short period into the season.
Williams highlighted the potential for a “minor setback” for Virginia Tech as they search for a new head coach. He emphasized the importance of maintaining the program’s reputation as a prestigious institution while also recognizing the challenges ahead.
The new coach will play a critical role in rebuilding relationships with local high schools and securing future talent. As the Hokies navigate this transition, they risk further alienating prospects from the Hampton Roads area if they fail to make a strategic hire.
Virginia Tech’s immediate focus will be on stabilizing their recruiting efforts while the program seeks a new leader. The decisions made in the coming weeks will be crucial for restoring the Hokies’ status as a top choice for local recruits.
