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Virginia Tech Adds New Running Back Talent in Transfer Portal
Hokies land a lone running back transfer and a top recruit to bolster their backfield for 2026 season.
Jan. 31, 2026 at 8:55am
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Virginia Tech's 2026 transfer portal class is complete, with the Hokies adding just one running back transfer, Louisiana's Elijah "Bill" Davis, along with a top high school recruit in Messiah Mickens. The Hokies also return several key running backs, including likely starter Marcellous Hawkins, redshirt freshman Jeffrey Overton Jr., and Tyler Mason. With a new running backs coach in Norval McKenzie and head coach James Franklin's emphasis on the run game, the Hokies' backfield could be a strength in 2026.
Why it matters
The Hokies' running game will be a key focus under new head coach James Franklin, who has historically relied on a strong ground attack. The addition of transfer Elijah "Bill" Davis and top recruit Messiah Mickens, combined with returning players like Marcellous Hawkins, gives Virginia Tech multiple options and versatility in the backfield as they look to establish an effective rushing attack.
The details
The Hokies' lone running back transfer is Elijah "Bill" Davis, a redshirt junior from Louisiana. Davis is a short and stocky back who excels at running through contact, averaging 3.53 yards after contact in 2025. The Hokies also landed a top recruit in Messiah Mickens, a four-star running back from Pennsylvania who was previously committed to Penn State. Mickens was the 2024 Gatorade Player of the Year in Pennsylvania and rushed for over 1,000 yards twice in high school. Returning running backs include likely starter Marcellous Hawkins, who averaged 6.3 yards per carry for 749 yards and 2 touchdowns in 2025, as well as redshirt freshman Jeffrey Overton Jr., who showed big-play ability before an ACL injury, and Tyler Mason, a redshirt sophomore looking to earn more playing time.
- Hawkins joined the Hokies as a redshirt junior in 2025.
- Mickens was the 2024 Gatorade Player of the Year in Pennsylvania.
- Overton suffered an ACL tear in December 2024.
The players
Marcellous Hawkins
Likely starting running back for the Hokies in 2026 after averaging 6.3 yards per carry for 749 yards and 2 touchdowns in 2025.
Messiah Mickens
Top 2026 running back recruit for the Hokies, previously committed to Penn State, was the 2024 Gatorade Player of the Year in Pennsylvania.
Jeffrey Overton Jr.
Redshirt freshman running back who showed big-play ability in limited action in 2025 before suffering an ACL tear in December 2024.
Elijah "Bill" Davis
Redshirt junior running back transfer from Louisiana, known for his physical running style and ability to gain yards after contact.
Norval McKenzie
New running backs coach for the Hokies, previously held the same position at Georgia Tech.
What they’re saying
“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”
— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee
The takeaway
With a new coaching staff and emphasis on the run game, Virginia Tech's backfield could be a strength in 2026 with the addition of transfer Elijah "Bill" Davis and top recruit Messiah Mickens complementing returning players like Marcellous Hawkins. The Hokies have multiple viable options to establish an effective ground attack under James Franklin's leadership.
