After Virginia Tech’s spring game on Saturday, head coach Brent Pry offered his thoughts on the team’s progress over the past few months. He pointed to the offensive line and the secondary as two position groups that made notable strides during spring practices. While that development is certainly a positive sign for the program, it’s clear the team is not yet ready for the rigors of the regular season. Improvements aside, there are still critical issues that need to be addressed—particularly on the offensive line.
One of the more concerning takeaways from Saturday’s scrimmage was the lack of discipline on the offensive front. Even in an empty stadium with no crowd noise to contend with, the unit committed three false start penalties. This kind of mental mistake is especially troubling given the low-pressure environment. False starts in spring games aren’t uncommon, but when they happen repeatedly under ideal conditions, it raises red flags about preparation, communication, and focus.
There are individual bright spots on the offensive line, such as Montavious Cunningham, who is expected to play a key role in the fall. His talent and experience bring some optimism to the group. However, the unit as a whole has a long way to go before it can be considered reliable. Cohesion, consistency, and mental sharpness are still lacking, and those are qualities that need to be solidified well before the season begins.
Looking back at last year’s spring transfer portal activity, the Hokies had some success bringing in talent from other programs. One of the most impactful additions came at quarterback, when Kyron Drones transferred from UCLA. That move proved to be significant, giving the team a dynamic player at a key position. In addition to Drones, linebacker Kaleb Spencer joined the team from Miami, further bolstering the defensive side of the ball.
This year, the situation is somewhat different. While last spring saw targeted additions to a few specific positions, the 2025 offseason presents a broader set of needs. Nearly every position group could benefit from added depth or experience, but if there’s one area that should be a top priority, it’s the offensive line. With the spring portal window set to open on Wednesday, Virginia Tech’s coaching staff has a chance to address that need directly.
The offensive line has been a long-standing weakness for the Hokies, and although some progress was made this spring, it’s not enough to feel confident heading into fall camp. The penalties observed on Saturday are symptoms of deeper issues—perhaps a lack of chemistry or insufficient reps under live conditions. Whatever the cause, it’s clear that reinforcements are needed. Bringing in seasoned transfers who can provide immediate help would go a long way toward stabilizing the unit.
Beyond just adding players, the team will also need to ensure that incoming transfers can quickly integrate into the system. That’s where coaching will play a crucial role. New offensive line coach Matt Moore, who joined the staff over the winter, will be tasked with developing any new additions and helping the entire unit gel in time for the season opener.
In conclusion, while Pry is right to highlight the progress made this spring, especially on the offensive line and in the secondary, the work is far from finished. The offensive line still lacks the consistency and discipline needed to compete at a high level, and the spring transfer portal offers a crucial opportunity to shore up that group. After a spring game that exposed lingering issues, the Hokies must act quickly and decisively in the portal if they hope to build a more complete and competitive roster for the upcoming season.
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