Thanks to an NCAA rule involving coaching changes, the Virginia Tech Hokies could see several players on their current roster hit the transfer portal this week. On Monday, the first name entered was junior cornerback Dante Lovett.
The Hokies fired head coach Brent Pry on Sunday after an embarrassing 0-3 start that saw the Hokies lose to Old Dominion at Lane Stadium 45-26. At one point, the Monarchs led the Hokies 31-0. Pry and quarterback Kyron Drones were booed.
So, before we get into Lovett’s decision,
let’s talk about the rule. When a coach is fired, and a player has played four games or fewer and has a redshirt season available, he can choose to use that redshirt and enter the transfer portal. While the player can’t enroll at a new school immediately, he is eligible to take visits. The portal opens the day after a coach is fired and is open for 30 days.
Lovett, a 6-foot-0, 200-pound corner from Crofton, Maryland, was a three-star prospect out of DeMatha Catholic in 2023. He played in all 26 games during his first two seasons, making two starts, both of which were last season. Lovett was expected to start at cornerback this season, but has shared time this season. In three games, Lovett has recorded six tackles.
How many players will leave? As with any player who enters the transfer portal, there is risk involved. Unless you already have something worked out with another team — it happens frequently — staying where you are until after the season can be the best decision. So, ultimately, I wouldn’t expect as many to leave as initially thought.
The Hokies are back at home on Saturday, hosting Wofford and looking for their first win.
We here at Gobbler Country wish nothing but the best to Dante and his family.
