Virginia Tech Star Wrestler Caleb Henson Will Redshirt This Season

Virginia Tech Wrestling is going all in on the 2026-27 season including Caleb Henson, as Henson and VT announced that the 2024 national champion will redshirt this season to return for the following year.

Henson's decision comes as the Hokies only have two starters who appear to be out of eligibility after this season in transfers Ethen Miller (157) and Jaden Bullock (184), though further clarity is needed given comments from Tony Robie. Elite high school recruit Bo Bassett will also be joining the lineup next season likely at 149 or 157 depending on which weight Henson chooses to wrestle at and which one is left open. All-American Eddie Ventresca (125) recently had a medical redshirt approved for two seasons ago and will be able to return for the 2026-27 season.

Tony Robie had the following comments on this decision per VT's press release.

“Everyone knows what Caleb brings to our program in terms of wins and losses and the way that he competes, how he represents us on and off the wrestling mat; he’s really been the face of the program for the past three years. But we’ve made the decision that we’re going to redshirt Caleb this year” said Robie.

“We’re not graduating anyone this year so looking ahead to next year, we could have a really special team, perhaps the best team we’ve ever had here at Virginia Tech so for us not to take advantage of that opportunity, we’d be missing the boat on that. Caleb’s going to focus on developing his freestyle ability and compete throughout the year… He’s excited about the plan; he obviously had to be on board with this when we floated it to him. Team goals are important to Caleb. Virginia Tech wrestling is important to Caleb. His legacy is about a lot more than himself here I think he feels like. He wants to have a legacy that he can look back and know that we did everything we could to put our team in the position to do really well at nationals,” stated Robie.

Caleb Henson had this to say about the decision per VT's press release.

“I’m excited for the year ahead. I look forward to continue working with my brothers and helping prepare them however I can throughout the season. This decision was not taken lightly; a decision I fully trust in my coaches and the people around me. Our goals as a team as well for me personally remain the same – continue to be the best versions of ourselves on and off the mat and represent Virginia Tech Wrestling to the best of our ability," Henson said.

Tech feels that next year's team can be the best in school history and not only pursue a top 3-5 finish in NCAAs but even push Penn State for a national title. Henson's return provides VT with a superstar talent to lead the way and make a massive charge at bringing VT Athletics its first team national title.

Freshman Collin Gaj and Noah Nininger are the two I've heard who are battling to replace Henson at 149 in the Hokies' starting lineup this season. That will be a battle to watch in the coming weeks including when the Hokies open their season next Sunday at the Southeast Open on the campus of Roanoke College.