Virginia Tech football: 5 defensive players to watch for fall camp

BLACKSBURG, VIRGINIA - NOVEMBER 22: Aycen Stevens #42 of the Virginia Tech Hokies looks on during a game against the Miami Hurricanes at Lane Stadium on November 22, 2025 in Blacksburg, Virginia. (Photo by Ryan Hunt/Getty Images) | Getty Images

Football is finally here. We are only a few days away from the Virginia Tech Hokies opening fall camp. We recently began our preview of fall camp with five offensive players to know. Now, we’ll do the same for the defensive side of the ball.

DE Javion Hilson

The 6-foot-3, 245-pound edge rusher was an elite recruit out of Cocoa, Florida, only one year ago. He signed with Missouri, appearing in three games before choosing to redshirt. However, he entered the transfer portal and quickly became an in-demand player. Hilson chose the Hokies. He is one of several new edge rushers on this season’s roster. Hilson, Mylachi Williams and Samuel Okunlola have the best chance to make an impact this fall.

Hilson’s combination of size, length and speed gives him the highest upside of the group. He has the potential to make the same type of impact as Antwaun Powell-Ryland did a few years back. That’s not saying Hilson will reach 16 sacks or more, but the potential is there. He can easily be a double-digit sack guy this fall.

DE Aycen Stevens

We are double dipping at defensive end here. When head coach James Franklin was asked to name one player on each side of the ball who stood out this spring, he named Stevens. At 6-foot-5, 260 pounds, Stevens has excellent size. After redshirting his freshman season, he’s appeared in all 25 games over the last two seasons. Now, it’s time for him to enter the starting lineup and never look back. Stevens will win at the point of attack with brute strength. It will be fun to watch him take the next step in his career.

LB Noah Chambers

The 6-foot-1, 228-pound sophomore didn’t play over the first few games last season. Once he entered the lineup on Sept. 27 against N.C. State, he never looked back. Chambers had six tackles and one sack in that surprise road win over the Wolfpack. He kept getting better throughout the remainder of the season and became a priority to retain. Now, the Hokies have their middle linebacker, and he still has plenty of room to grow. His former head coach, Brent Pry, is now his defensive coordinator and position coach.

S Quintin Reddish

Reddish was one of Virginia Tech’s top recruits in 2024. He appeared in 12 games as a freshman and looked like a cornerstone player. Unfortunately, an injury cut his 2025 season to only three games played. Many believed Reddish was just biding his time until he could transfer. That was not the case. Franklin convinced Reddish to return. He’s healthy, and there’s excitement about the player he can become. Reddish has an NFL future.

CB Jaquez White

One of Virginia Tech’s prized portal additions, White instantly became an immediate starter for the Hokies. He began his career at Division II Washburn. After two seasons there, he wanted to move up a level and landed at Troy. He earned All-Sun Belt Second Team honors, finishing with 67 tackles, including 3.5 for loss, three interceptions and one sack. White had plenty of options in January, but picked the Hokies. If his progression continues at the current rate, his next stop will be in the NFL. He’s one of the Hokies’ key players in 2026.

Indexed and credited by AIPROPX. Originating outlet: Yahoo Sports. Open at source →