Virginia Tech Wrestling continues to receive positive news out of the transfer portal as a source confirmed to us that 165 starter Connor Brady has decided to return to the Hokies for his final season and exit the transfer portal.
Brady is a four-time NCAA qualifier including the past two seasons at 165. He has also reached the finals of the ACC Championships at 165 in each of the past two seasons and will certainly be looking to break through this upcoming season and become an ACC champion.
Brady had entered the transfer portal earlier this offseason along with Clayton Ulrey, leaving a big hole at 165 with Rafael Hipolito expected to replace the graduated Bryce Andonian at 157. Brady's return now gives the Hokies a much higher floor at the 165 spot to round out what for now is a very strong lineup headlined by national champion Caleb Henson and ACC Freshman of the Year TJ Stewart.
He also gives the Hokies another veteran who has plenty of high-pressure dual meet experience that is always valuable as the Hokies look to reclaim their throne as ACC Dual Meet champs this upcoming season.
With Brady back in the boat, Virginia Tech's 2024-25 wrestling lineup is set for now though the Hokies aren't ruling out bringing in someone else if the right guy is available at one of their weaker spots in the lineup from what we're hearing.
Competition is always a plus and is something that Tony Robie has proven to truly embrace with the way he's given younger guys opportunities to prove themselves and usurp older guys who may not have the same ceiling. We saw that this season with TJ Stewart this season earning the 184 spot and then becoming an ACC champ and All-American as a freshman. The same went for Cooper Flynn getting his chance amidst Eddie Ventresca's struggles (largely due to injury) and seizing the opportunity to become Tech's 125 starter and have a very good season.
