Running back Malachi Thomas, who ran for 1,127 yards and seven touchdowns in four seasons with the Hokies, is in the transfer portal, according to VTScoop.
Thomas, who showed promise as a freshman in 2021 when he ran for 440 yards and three touchdowns down the stretch, had mostly been a reserve since, the clear No. 2 behind Bhayshul Tuten the last two years. He ran for 381 yards on 83 carries in 2023 but saw his share drop to 42 carries for 160 yards this year.
He'll best be remembered for his efforts against Syracuse. Thomas broke out with a 151-yard, three-touchdown day against the Orange in Lane Stadium 2021, then had 73 yards and a touchdown against them this fall in the JMA Wireless Dome.
The Hartwell, Ga., product will have one year of eligibility left.
Even before the move, the Hokies figured to be major players in the portal on the running back market. Tuten, a second-team All-ACC pick who became Tech's third 1,000-yard rusher since 2012, is NFL-bound.
The backups are light in experience. Jeremiah Coney, a north-south style runner, had 25 carries for 169 yards. Freshman Tyler Mason got a few snaps in the UVa game. Incoming signee Jeffrey Overton Jr., a four-star by some scouting services, enrolls next month.
Thomas is the eighth Hokies player to hit the portal, which officially opened Monday. He joins offensive linemen Xavier Chaplin and Lance Williams, safety Jalen Stroman, linebacker Keli Lawson 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.