The Virginia Tech Hokies continue to remake their backfield. Tech received good news after the season when its top two backs, Marcellous Hawkins and freshman Jeff Overton Jr., announced they were returning in 2026. That led others in Tech’s backfield to enter the NCAA transfer portal.

NORMAN — Oklahoma has landed a commitment from Virginia transfer wide receiver Trell Harris, according to On3 Sports. Harris, an All-ACC honoree and a top-15 receiver in the portal, will have one year of eligibility. The 6-foot, 200-pound receiver totaled 59 receptions for 847 yards and five touchdowns this past season.

Alongside Metcalf's return to UVA next season is Makilan Thomas, another offensive lineman. Now, there are still a few questions revolving around Virginia's heading into 2026, but this is phenomenal news for Elliott's program. They come with veteran experience and a knack for playmaking — two keys to any winning program.

The Horned Frogs bolster their defense with an experienced linebacker who played in five games for the Hokies in 2025.

The win marked Duke's first league title since it split one with the Cavaliers in 1989 before the establishment of the ACC Championship Game. Virginia (10-3) was also seeking its first-ever conference championship game victory but couldn't overcome a barrage of clutch plays from the Blue Devils.

Though Virginia Tech football's 2026 campaign is far away, the Hokies still have an important piece of the puzzle to navigate in the interim. While several players will be finding new homes, others will be returning. Here's a list of who's coming back in 2026.

Virginia's turnaround in 2025 was made possible, in large part, to a significant financial commitment from the school and its donors.

Ultimately, given that the 2026 season opener will be played in Brazil, Virginia will have six games at Scott Stadium — one fewer than they had this year. According to Stewart, losing a gameday at Scott Stadium is a major cost.

Missouri football lost the Gator Bowl to Virginia with a stale offensive performance. The Tigers finished the 2025 season 8-5.

Stanford football now knows who'll run the offense with Tavita Pritchard as head coach. And it's a familiar face from Virginia.