TJ is extremely talented. His issues have been between the ears. Extremely difficult to perform at the highest level when it isn’t your primary focus. Rightfully so his focus was elsewhere. If he can get to 100% I don’t see how he’s not the guy next year either at 184 or 197. If he can’t get to 100% then I think just having him in the room will be good for him and whoever the starters are to push them.

has not reached his ceiling, and assuming there are no unexpected circumstances, I will be very surprised if Sasso is not Tech's 197 next year.

TJ’s ceiling is way higher than Sonny’s. I think they both struggle with consistency, but I think the best TJ we have seen > the best Sonny we have seen. Big fan of Sonny and would love to see him put it all together and have consistent performances. I think 100% TJ at 184 gives us the best lineup so hopefully he can get back down there, but we will see.

"the best TJ we have seen > the best Sonny we have seen" is a nonstarter because the best Stewart we have seen was at 184. Regardless, I hope Stewart comes back strong, and I hope Sasso keeps improving.

TJ's style will give Sonny fits!! ** Edited by wasris at 4/17/2026, 2:41:28 PM

I know a lot of folks have been cautious about him coming back, but honestly I'm thrilled to hear it. My minimal interactions with him were extremely positive, with his attitude being a great mix of confidence and humility. With all the crazy things happening in life, we should all have a more patient approach to expectations to how a young man will deal with their situations. Worst case scenario, he ends up with a degree that will change his life. Best case scenario, he's a terror on the mat like he was as a freshman! If he's all in, I am betting on the latter.

My only concern with him being back in the room is how this affects the team chemistry. However, I trust Robie 100 percent to make the right decision.

around the guys off the mat. Those guys knew what was going on with him and didn't just cast him aside. Team chemistry won't be an issue. Maybe some will be more cautious in welcoming him back in full, but that's to be expected with 30+ different personalities on the team. All TJ needs to do is show his commitment to the team and the squad will be fine. If for some reason he can't manage to do that, Robie and Frayer will solve that problem quickly. I said it from the beginning, if he can figure out how to get through the things he was struggling with, then I'd love to see him back on the team. He's a good kid and if he's earned a second chance with Robie, then I have no worries about the team as a whole. ** Edited by HokieToph at 4/17/2026, 12:55:28 PM

And program. As a father I’ve learned growth, success and endurance aren’t always a linear path. And often those who only see success don’t build the fortitude of those who struggle and then find success. I hope this becomes a great Hokie success story.

I'm sure there's a lot of work to do to get back in wrestling shape, but I'm happy for TJ. If him, Bullock, and Sergio are all at 184 next year, whoever comes out on top should be really solid. Noah is going to crush it next year at 157 imo. I still think he's just as big of a talent as Gaj, and I don't mean that as a slight towards Gaj.

Seemed hard when he was here but I could see him pushing Sasso for 97. Either way if he has it going he’ll be hard to handle. Would love to see what he can do on a full gas tank!

If he wants to make 184 and is willing to do the work, our staff can figure out a plan to get him there.

A fully committed TJ would be dangerous and exciting, but Im not gonna get too excited at this point and instead just be happy to hear that he’s both back in school and wrestling and seems to be happy. On the Noah front, has he really gotten so big that making 157 would be a concern?