According to multiple reports, Virginia Tech LB Sam Brumfield is entering the transfer portal after receiving an additional year of eligibility. This was due to the Diego Pavia lawsuit injunction ruling that led to the NCAA granting all former JUCO players who run out of eligibility during the 2024-25 academic year, an extra year of eligibility.
Brumfield arrived from Middle Tennessee State last offseason after having an All-Conference USA Second Team season for the Blue Raiders following his arrival from the JUCO ranks. He started the first seven games at mike linebacker for the Hokies before Jaden Keller took over for the final five games, finishing the season with 60 tackles including 2.5 for loss with 1.5 sacks. He also earned a 67.8 season grade from PFF including 68.6 for run defense.
With the ruling, Brumfield will have a lone year of eligibility remaining, though the final decision in the Diego Pavia lawsuit could open the door for additional eligibility for all players who spent time in the JUCO ranks and not just those who were supposed to run out of eligibility after the 2024-25 academic year like Brumfield and Pavia.
Brumfield's departure likely clears the way for Jaden Keller to retain the mike linebacker job in 2025. His departure does take away some of the depth though a healthy Jayden McDonald should be able to provide some veteran depth while also potentially pushing Keller for that job given what he showed during 2023. Incoming freshman Brett Clatterbaugh could also be a guy to watch to earn early playing time in the two-deep.
Brumfield's departure shouldn't change the math for the Hokies at linebacker given that he wasn't expected to have eligibility for another season till the past week or so. Part of how Tech approaches their linebacker room could depend on what the final defensive staff structure looks like once a new defensive coordinator is in place.
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