Introduction
The Virginia Tech Hokies football program has always been defined by grit, tradition, and passion. As the 2025 season approaches, fans are buzzing with excitement to see how the VT football depth chart shapes up. Understanding the depth chart gives us a clear picture of which players are ready to shine, who will play supporting roles, and how the team is building for success in the ACC.
In this in-depth article, we’ll break down every major position group — from quarterbacks to defensive backs — analyze the team’s strengths and challenges, and highlight key players who could make a difference this season.
What Is a Football Depth Chart?
A depth chart is essentially the blueprint of a football team. It lists players by position, ranking them as starters, backups, and reserves. It tells us who the coaches trust most in each role, where competition is tight, and which younger players might break out later in the season.
For Virginia Tech, the depth chart isn’t just a list of names. It’s a reflection of the team’s evolution — from rebuilding phases to a program ready to compete again at a high level.
Quarterbacks: The Engine of the Offense
At the heart of every team lies its quarterback. For Virginia Tech in 2025, that role belongs to Kyron Drones, the dynamic dual-threat QB who has become a leader both on and off the field.
Projected Quarterback Depth Chart
QB1: Kyron Drones (Senior)
QB2: William “Pop” Watson III (Sophomore)
QB3: Garret Rangel (Junior, Transfer)
Drones brings experience, composure, and athleticism. His ability to extend plays and read defenses gives the Hokies an edge. Behind him, Watson is developing quickly and provides solid insurance. Rangel, a talented transfer, adds competition and depth to a position that’s critical for Virginia Tech’s offensive rhythm.
Running Backs: Building a Balanced Attack
The Hokies’ running game is expected to be one of their strongest assets this season. A mix of veteran presence and young speed gives the team versatility.
Projected Running Back Depth Chart
RB1: Marcellous Hawkins (Senior)
RB2: Terion Stewart (Graduate Transfer)
RB3: Jeremiah Coney (Sophomore)
RB4: Tyler Mason (Freshman)
Hawkins is a powerful north-south runner, while Stewart brings experience and quick cuts. Coney and Mason provide explosiveness and are capable of filling in without a drop-off in production. This kind of depth allows the offense to rotate backs and keep legs fresh deep into the fourth quarter.
Wide Receivers and Tight Ends: Speed and Power on Display
If there’s one area where the Virginia Tech Hokies have improved dramatically, it’s in their passing weapons. With several experienced receivers and athletic tight ends, the offense can stretch the field like never before.
Projected Wide Receiver Depth Chart
WR1: Ayden Greene (Junior)
WR2: Donavon Greene (Graduate Transfer)
Slot Receiver: Takye Heath (Sophomore)
Backups: Cameron Seldon, Jaylen Jones
Ayden Greene has emerged as a go-to target with strong hands and route-running precision. Donavon Greene brings size and veteran leadership. Takye Heath, playing from the slot, adds speed and agility, perfect for short-yardage or crossing plays.
Tight Ends
TE1: Benji Gosnell (Junior)
TE2: Harrison Saint-Germain (Sophomore)
TE3: Zeke Wimbush (Freshman)
Gosnell’s ability to block and catch passes makes him one of the most reliable tight ends in the conference. His presence on the VT football depth chart highlights the team’s commitment to a balanced offense.
Offensive Line: Protecting the Pocket
A strong offensive line is the backbone of any successful football program. For the Hokies, this group features returning veterans who bring both size and discipline.
Projected Offensive Line Depth Chart
Left Tackle: Johnny Garrett
Left Guard: Layth Ghannam
Center: Jack Hollifield
Right Guard: Montavious Cunningham
Right Tackle: Lance Williams
Depth behind the starters includes promising underclassmen like Caleb Wood and Evan Riggs. Protecting the quarterback and opening running lanes will be critical if the Hokies want to maintain offensive consistency.
Defensive Line: Strength in the Trenches
Defense has always been part of Virginia Tech’s identity. The 2025 VT football depth chart shows a solid and experienced defensive front ready to dominate the line of scrimmage.
Projected Defensive Line Depth Chart
DE1: Antwaun Powell-Ryland
DT1: Kelvin Gilliam Jr.
DT2: Kemari Copeland
DE2: Ben Bell
Powell-Ryland is a proven playmaker who brings energy and aggression. Inside, Gilliam and Copeland anchor the defense with power and gap control. Bell rotates in as a versatile edge defender, offering speed off the line.
Linebackers: The Brains of the Defense
Linebackers are the quarterbacks of the defense. Virginia Tech has both intelligence and athleticism at this position, with veterans who understand the system and younger players learning quickly.
Projected Linebacker Depth Chart
MLB: Keli Lawson
OLB: Alan Tisdale
OLB: Ben VanSumeren
Backups: Carson Lydon, Tyler Barron
The linebacker unit blends leadership with speed. Lawson commands the middle with authority, while Tisdale and VanSumeren bring sideline-to-sideline coverage. This core ensures the Hokies can adapt to both run-heavy and pass-heavy opponents.
Secondary: Lockdown Coverage
Modern college football is all about stopping the pass, and Virginia Tech’s secondary has the talent to do it. The Hokies’ cornerbacks and safeties combine athleticism, awareness, and tackling ability.
Projected Secondary Depth Chart
CB1: Dorian Strong
CB2: Mansoor Delane
FS: Jalen Stroman
SS: Nasir Peoples
Nickelback: Cam Johnson
Strong and Delane are experienced corners who can handle elite receivers. Stroman and Peoples bring leadership at safety, providing stability at the back end of the defense.
Special Teams: The Hidden Key to Success
Special teams often decide close games, and the Hokies have invested heavily in improving their kicking and return units.
Projected Specialists
Kicker: John Love
Punter: Nick Veltsistas
Kick Returner: Takye Heath
Punt Returner: Jaylen Jones
With consistent execution, special teams can provide the extra edge that turns narrow defeats into wins.
Coaching Impact on the Depth Chart
Head Coach Brent Pry and his staff have been methodical in building the 2025 roster. They’ve prioritized player development, strength conditioning, and strategic transfers. The depth chart reflects that approach — balanced, competitive, and well-structured for both immediate results and long-term growth.
The Hokies’ coaching philosophy emphasizes adaptability. Players are trained to handle multiple roles, ensuring that injuries or lineup changes don’t derail the season.
Strengths of the 2025 VT Football Depth Chart
Quarterback Leadership: Drones provides a steady presence.
Running Back Depth: Multiple capable rushers ensure balance.
Receiver Talent: Versatile group with big-play ability.
Defensive Line Power: Strong interior presence.
Experienced Secondary: Smart, disciplined coverage unit.
These elements combine to give the Hokies a strong competitive foundation entering the new season.
Challenges and Concerns
Despite the positives, there are still areas that need improvement:
Offensive Line Depth: Injuries could expose a lack of experienced backups.
Cohesion on Offense: Timing between quarterbacks and new receivers may take time.
Injury Management: Maintaining depth throughout the season is crucial.
If the coaching staff can address these challenges early, Virginia Tech will be a dangerous team down the stretch.
Season Outlook
The 2025 Virginia Tech Hokies have a roster capable of competing with anyone in the ACC. The VT football depth chart reveals balance across offense, defense, and special teams. If the key starters stay healthy and the younger players step up, the Hokies could easily surpass preseason expectations.
Fans should expect an exciting brand of football — fast, physical, and full of heart — the kind that reflects the culture of Blacksburg and Hokie Nation.
Final Thoughts
A football team’s depth chart is more than a lineup; it’s a story of preparation, competition, and opportunity. The 2025 Virginia Tech football team has the pieces in place to make a statement. With leadership at quarterback, depth at skill positions, and strength in the trenches, this season could mark a turning point for the Hokies.
If they execute, maintain focus, and trust the process, the VT football depth chart won’t just be a list of names — it will be the blueprint for a winning season.