The 2026 transfer portal season is upon us with some new rules impacting this cycle. It's important to note that this will be the second transfer portal cycle where the number to watch is the 105 roster maximum rather than the old 85-scholarship cap. However, there are also 'designated student-athletes' who were on rosters prior to the House Settlement who were previously designed and can allow teams to go over the 105 maximum solely with those players.
This is also the first year where there is only one transfer portal window from January 2nd-16th for Division I players. The same portal windows do not apply to Division II and III athletes.
The only Division I exceptions will be the two teams who play for the national championship will have their window extend five days past the national championship game. Additionally, any team that hires a new head coach after January 2nd will have a 15-day portal window that opens five days after the new head coach is hired.
Players who are having to pursue extra eligibility via the legal system will not be included in the transfer departure category. Players who decided to enter the transfer portal after Brent Pry's dismissal and before James Franklin's arrival will be included below.
So with all that in mind, let's get into where things stand as James Franklin leads Virginia Tech into his first transfer portal cycle of his tenure.
Current 2026 Numbers
- 22 Current HS Additions
- 1 Unsigned HS Commit
- 0 Transfer Portal Additions
- 6 Transfer Portal Departures
- 0 Other Roster Departures
- 103 Players for 2025 (2 under the limit)
Transfers In
Transfers Out
- CB Dante Lovett (9/15/25)
- WR Tucker Holloway (9/25/25)
- LB Michael Short (9/26/25)
- DE Keyshawn Burgos (10/2/25)
- DB Christian Ellis (10/14/25)
- QB Garret Rangel (12/17/25)
Transfer Portal News & Stories
- Mercer All-SoCon OL Tyler Murray Would Absolutely Be Interested in Virginia Tech (12/20/25)
- Analyzing James Franklin's Utilization of the Transfer Portal (12/19/25)
- Early Defensive Transfer Target to Monitor (12/17/25
Public Transfer Offers
- Minnesota-Duluth TE Luke Dehnicke (12/17/25)
