The Hokies just had their biggest loss in the portal to date — figuratively and literally.
Virginia Tech left tackle Xavier Chaplin is heading to the transfer portal, a blow to an offensive line that was already losing two starters to graduation.
https://twitter.com/chaplin_xavier/status/1866151586822607245
Chaplin, who started the last two years at left tackle, was earned All-ACC honorable mention honors in 2024 after having the third-highest grade (73.7) among Hokies offensive starters on Pro Football Focus. He allowed just two sacks and 12 pressures on 610 snaps and is sure to generate massive interest in a transfer portal that is typically light on proven offensive linemen.
The 6-foot-7, 323-pound redshirt sophomore, who signed with Tech in 2022 out of Seabrook, S.C., had the ninth-highest grade among offensive tackles in the ACC.
His departure is a hit to an offensive line that was already losing starting right tackle Parker Clements and right guard Kaden Moore.
Johnny Garrett, Montavious Cunningham and Bob Schick are the only players on the roster who've gotten significant time at tackle, though the latter two didn't do it much last year. Younger players like Layth Ghannam, Hannes Hammer and Aidan Lynch could also be options.
Chaplin's the seventh Hokies player to hit the portal so far, joining safety Jalen Stroman, linebacker Keli Lawson, offensive lineman Lance Williams and defensive linemen Khurtiss Perry, Ishmael Findlayter and Malachi Madison.
For more information on Virginia Tech’s comings and goings in the portal, click here for Tech Sideline’s roster management page.