Virginia Tech running back Marcellous Hawkins has announced his return to the program for his senior year for the 2026 season via his social media.
@HokiesFB Lets Run It Back🫣 pic.twitter.com/SiaOmEjKJT
— Marcellous Hawkins (@MarcellousHawk8) December 24, 2025
The standout running back totaled 749 yards on 118 carries that averaged 6.3 yards per carry in 11 games. Hawkins also ran in for a touchdown. Hawkins forced 44 missed tackles and gained 562 yards after contact, averaging 4.72 yards per carry after contact per PFF.
On the receiving end, he caught 12 passes for 86 yards and a touchdown. His efforts were a part of a Tech team that had one of the most efficient running games in the nation and was in the top four in the ACC.
Marcellous Hawkins' impact was quite the surprise as a DII transfer from Central Missouri. While at Central Missouri, Hawkins only played one full season in 2023, playing a total of five games in the 2022 and 2024 seasons due to injuries. In his 2023 campaign, he rushed for 1,053 yards on 158 carries with 18 rushing touchdowns. Along with his rushing efforts, he had 32 catches for 283 yards and three receiving touchdowns.
Hawkins was a part of multiple Hokies announcing their return to Virginia Tech, including running back teammate Jeff Overton Jr. The two look to lead a strong running back room that also includes four-star Messiah Mickens who signed with Virginia Tech just weeks ago along with any other transfer portal movement we see from the Hokies.
It seems almost certain that Hawkins will be the Hokies' starting running back and will look to become Tech's latest 1,000+ yard rusher, with the most recent previously being Bhayshul Tuten in 2024.
The running backs will be coached by Norval McKenzie, who is coming from Georgia Tech and replacing Elijah Brooks as the Hokies' RBs coach.
