The recent firings of Brent Pry and Deshaun Foster by the Virginia Tech Hokies and UCLA Bruins, respectively, have shaken up both programs. Whenever a head coach leaves, players from those teams can jump into the transfer portal right away.
This article focuses on which Virginia Tech players have already entered the portal and what that might mean for the Hokies. So far, no UCLA players have entered the portal since Foster’s exit. If you want more details, check out the original article on Pro Football Network.
The Impact of Coaching Changes on Player Movement
Coaching changes usually stir up a lot of movement in college football. The departures of Pry and Foster have given players a reason to look for new homes.
At Virginia Tech, after Pry left, players like Dante Lovett and Tucker Holloway wasted no time entering the transfer portal.
Dante Lovett: A Versatile Defensive Asset
Dante Lovett, a three-star prospect from DeMatha Catholic in Hyattsville, Maryland, has decided to move on from Virginia Tech. He spent three years with the Hokies and put up these numbers:
- 36 tackles
- 1 interception
- 1 tackle for loss
- 7 pass breakups
- 1 fumble recovery
Lovett stands around six feet tall and weighs in at 200 pounds. That size and his athleticism make him pretty appealing to Power Four programs.
He looks like someone who could add more muscle without losing speed, which is always a plus. Defensive coordinators love that kind of flexibility—he could fit into a bunch of different roles.
Potential Landing Spots for Lovett
Lovett has already caught the eye of schools like Florida State and Texas A&M. He can play corner, safety, or even that hybrid “star” spot that’s becoming popular.
If a team runs a 4-2-5 defense, he’d fit right in. He’s got the muscle to battle wideouts and the speed to keep up with tight ends, so wherever he ends up, it’ll be interesting to watch.
Tucker Holloway: A Rising Star
Tucker Holloway is another big name leaving Virginia Tech. He entered the portal not long after Pry’s firing.
Holloway was having a breakout year at receiver, with:
- 5 receptions for 82 yards through four games
- 13 receptions for 149 yards in total
- 1 rushing touchdown
He didn’t just make noise on offense. Holloway also starred on special teams, leading the ACC in punt return touchdowns as a freshman and averaging almost 13 yards per return in 2023.
An injury cut his season short, but he still has two years of eligibility left. That’s got to be tempting for a lot of programs.
Future Prospects for Holloway
With family ties to the Liberty Flames, some folks are already connecting him to that CUSA team. He’s a real weapon as both a receiver and return specialist.
Any team looking for a playmaker should be paying close attention to where he lands next.
The Bigger Picture: Virginia Tech’s Talent Pipeline
Even with Lovett and Holloway leaving, Virginia Tech’s recruiting pipeline is still in decent shape. The school has always benefited from the DMV area—Washington, D.C., Maryland, and Virginia.
The program wasn’t exactly overflowing with talent, but it wasn’t empty either. How they attract and develop new players will matter a lot as they go through this transition.
What’s Next for the Hokies?
Now that the portal’s open, more players might start weighing their options. The new head coach faces a tough job—steadying the ship and keeping key guys from leaving.
Getting a staff together fast and adapting to all this change will be crucial for whatever comes next at Virginia Tech.
Conclusion
The firings of Brent Pry and Deshaun Foster have set off a chain reaction within the Virginia Tech and UCLA football programs.
Players like Dante Lovett and Tucker Holloway have already entered the transfer portal, hoping to find new opportunities elsewhere.
If the Hokies want to rebuild, their recruiting pipeline has to get stronger. The new coaching staff will need to adapt fast—no way around it.
For more details, you can check out the original article on Pro Football Network.
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