Virginia Tech’s defensive tackle, Kemari Copeland, has been honored as the ACC defensive lineman of the week, following Virginia Tech’s 42-34 double overtime win against California.
#Hokies defensive tackle Kemari Copeland is named the ACC Defensive Lineman of the Week after his performance vs. Cal.
— David Cunningham (@therealdcunna) October 27, 2025
He became the first Virginia Tech DT with three sacks since his position coach, J.C. Price, had four in 1995 vs. Miami. https://t.co/3HoTRQ2C6f
This is the first weekly ACC honor for Kemari Copeland in his career.
In Friday night’s game against the Golden Bears, Kemari Copeland recorded seven total tackles including three sacks. In a game where California scored 34 points and their quarterback, Jaron-Krewe Sagapolutele, tallied 286 passing yards and a touchdown, Copeland brought some much-needed pass rush and stability to the defense in this game to help limit the damage.
Copeland’s three sacks were the first time a Virginia Tech DT has had three sacks or more in one game since current defensive line coach J.C. Price had four in 1995 against Miami.
Copeland now has 31 tackles on the season with six for loss including four sacks, and could make a case for some sort of All-ACC honors if he can keep this level of production up. After having tons of buzz about him having a big season following his redshirt last season due to injury, the former JUCO transfer has delivered on preseason hype so far.
Tech will need another big game from Copeland if they want to upset No. 16 Louisville this Saturday.
