Virginia Tech's Unsung Heroes Heading Into 2026 Season

Several returning Hokies players could make a big impact despite flying under the radar.

Feb. 24, 2026 at 11:33pm

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The Virginia Tech Hokies are looking to bounce back in 2026 under new head coach James Franklin. While the team brought in a lot of new talent, some of the most impactful players could be returning starters who didn't get much attention last season. This includes linebacker Noah Chambers, cornerback Jaquez White, tight end Benji Gosnell, and wide receiver Keylen "Brodie" Adams.

Why it matters

Virginia Tech is aiming to quickly turn around its football program after a disappointing 3-win season in 2025. Identifying and developing underrated talent will be crucial for the Hokies to compete in the ACC. These four players could emerge as key contributors and help lead the team's resurgence.

The details

Linebacker Noah Chambers burst onto the scene as a true freshman in 2025, making an immediate impact with 6 tackles and a sack in an upset win over NC State. With two starters departing, Chambers is poised for a bigger role in 2026. Cornerback Jaquez White, a transfer from Troy, earned All-Sun Belt honors last season and will provide much-needed experience and playmaking ability to the Hokies' secondary. Tight end Benji Gosnell had a down year in 2025 but has shown the ability to be a reliable pass-catcher, and could bounce back with a new offensive coordinator. Wide receiver Keylen "Brodie" Adams was a star in high school and is looking to make his mark after missing 2025 due to injury.

  • Chambers made an immediate impact as a true freshman in 2025, bursting onto the scene against NC State in September.
  • White earned All-Sun Belt honors in 2025 at Troy before transferring to Virginia Tech for the 2026 season.
  • Gosnell had a down year in 2025 but is looking to bounce back in 2026 with a new offensive coordinator.
  • Adams missed the entire 2025 season due to injury and is eager to make his mark in 2026.

The players

Noah Chambers

A true freshman linebacker who made an immediate impact in 2025, recording 6 tackles and a sack in an upset win over NC State. With two starters departing, Chambers is poised for a bigger role in 2026.

Jaquez White

A transfer cornerback from Troy who earned All-Sun Belt honors in 2025. He will provide much-needed experience and playmaking ability to the Hokies' secondary.

Benji Gosnell

A tight end who had a down year in 2025 but has shown the ability to be a reliable pass-catcher, and could bounce back with a new offensive coordinator.

Keylen "Brodie" Adams

A wide receiver who was a star in high school but missed the entire 2025 season due to injury. He is looking to make his mark in 2026.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident

“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

These four players represent the type of underrated talent that could help Virginia Tech turn things around in 2026. If they can build on their previous experiences and take on bigger roles, they could emerge as key contributors and help the Hokies climb back up the ACC standings.