I was just made aware of these two great recruits from a friend of mine who follows wrestling more closely. Seems like this is a coup, but what does it mean overall for our program? Do we move from a top 10 to a top 5 program? More likely to win ACC championships? I know no one has a crystal ball, I’m wondering what the consensus is on how this moves the needle for the program. Thanks.

Simply put it turns VT into a magnet program. Anytime you can bring high profile athletes into the program who clearly have post collegiate aspirations, and have already excelled on the national and international circuits, that is a good thing. While VT has always had a few guys dip their toes in the freestyle arena, I think we're starting to see VT get some of those guys who simply can't get enough of wrestling. Collegiate wrestling is a grind to say the least. Wrestling freestyle in parallel or post graduate is an even bigger grind as in most cases, the body doesn't hold up or the athletes have simply had enough. Mekhi is a perfect example. He gave freestyle a go but his body simply fell apart and it became too much. Bottom line, moths are attracted to flame and you're seeing the SERTC burning a bit brighter now. High end talent wants to go where other high end talent is because that is how they develop. Not to mention athlete recruiting. All these top guys know each other from all of the national tournaments they've been to. They develop friendships because just about all of them have the same mindset, goals, and work ethics. VT becomes a much more fun place for future recruits when their friends are going there. Look at all the Jersey/PA guys we are able to land now. Those relationships are huge.

He seems like one of those guys who just knows everybody for some reason

We'll have two anchors in our lineup for the next 4-5 years in addition to the guys we've always gotten that have made us a top 10 program.

too. If Burton does the same, then it’s time to set our expectations even higher.

I also like the chances that Nininger or Gaj or Gorman become really good. Beating Penn State doesn't become realistic unless they drop off- hard to compete with 10 AAs and 9 top 3, but we're one or two elite pieces away from being number 2 for a couple of years. ** Edited by Hikinghokie at 10/10/2025, 9:22:32 AM

follows his two brothers to the Burg. He will be a top 10 recruit in 2028. This recruiting coop could have a snowball affect as the Bassett family are very well connected and wrestle for one of the top programs in the country. I can see their commitment influencing a lot of other high level recruits to come join the Hokies. Barring any unforseen circumstances, the future of VT wrestling has never looked brighter. Make sure to watch them tomorrow night on Flo at Who's number 1...

But I'm not sure if he'll be a recruit like Bo or Melvin. Doesn't mean he can't be great here, but he might need a redshirt or a bit more development. If he's an AA his 3rd year, Bo might already be gone. I hope we can pull more recruits like Bo and Melvin, but right now the 3 or 4 year window they're in the lineup together is a bit of a unique window for us to be successful in. I'm hopeful that we can sign a really elite class of 27 and pull some high level portal talent to fill any holes. Hopefully we have all the success we're anticipating, and the coaches ride the momentum and raise our profile beyond the Bassetts, but I don't want to get too far ahead of ourselves.

can be elite. He does need to get bigger, but he has time and likely some growing still to do as he is only a sophomore. I don't want to get too far over the skis either, but there is a lot of excitement around the program right now and I think it is fully warranted. Let's keep it going. Go Hokies...

Just beat the #4 kid in the country last night 16-0, he is making gains quickly! I predict he will be the #1 guy in his weight by his senior year, kid is good!

If he fills out he won't just be number 1 at his weight he'll be knocking on the door in the p4p rankings.