Penn State Transfer DT Randy Adirika Commits to Virginia Tech

Virginia Tech continues to load up on the defensive line during this transfer portal cycle, adding a commitment from Penn State transfer DT Randy Adirika.

He is the second pure defensive tackle transfer commit along with Ohio State's Eric Mensah and is the seventh defensive line commit overall along with Penn State DL Daniel Jennings (who has the size to play DE or DT), Missouri DE Javion Hilson, Baylor DE Kamauryn Morgan, and Penn State DEs Cortez Harris and Mylachi Williams.

He is also the tenth Penn State player to follow James Franklin to Virginia Tech along with DL Daniel Jennings, DEs Cortez Harris and Mylachi Williams, LB Keon Wylie, WR Jeff Exinor Jr, TEs Luke Reynolds and Matt Henderson, OL Michael Troutman III, the expected addition of QB Ethan Grunkemeyer.

He will have four years of eligibility remaining after playing in only two games this past season and redshirting.

Adirika has the size that you'd want in a defensive tackle at 6'3'' and 308 pounds. He is an intriguing young prospect who will have the chance to compete for reps in Virginia Tech's two-deep next season with Kemari Copeland and Emmett Lews being the only significant contributors from last year's DT rotation returning next season. Gerard Johnson and the aforementioned Mensah are other strong contenders for DT playing time while returning Elhadj Fall has the size to move inside as well depending on where Sean Spencer feels Fall's best fit is in his scheme.

With Adirika on board, it seems like Virginia Tech's focus at defensive tackle might go towards someone who can bring some more experience into the room. Otherwise, it would be a little surprising in my view to see VT bring in another younger DT but can't be ruled out given the youth focus in the transfer portal this cycle.

Check out all our coverage of Virginia Tech and the 2026 transfer portal cycle here.