To no one’s surprise, several key Hokies will not play in the bowl game on Friday night.
It’s finally game week for the Virginia Tech football team as they prepare for the Duke’s Mayo Bowl against Minnesota on Friday night in Charlotte. With kickoff scheduled for 7:30, the big question is which players will suit up for the Hokies.
Head coach Brent Pry provided some answers following Virginia Tech’s practice on Monday, revealing several key players who won’t be playing in the bowl game. While it’s not unexpected that some players opted out for various reasons, the list of opt-outs is significant.
Key Opt-Outs and Transfers
The majority of players who entered the transfer portal will not participate in the game. This includes important contributors such as Mansoor Delane (LSU), Braelin Moore (LSU), Xavier Chaplin (Auburn), and Mose Phillips (Missouri), who are all moving on to their next destinations for 2025. Additionally, some players were still uncertain about their status and hadn’t yet confirmed their decision to play.
Players Not Participating

After practice, Coach Pry confirmed that running back Bhayshul Tuten, right guard Kaden Moore, and linebacker Keonta Jenkins will not be with the team and have not been since before Christmas. Another linebacker, Sam Brumfield, also won’t play after entering the transfer portal. This comes after Brumfield was granted an additional year of eligibility due to his JUCO status. It’s also worth noting that Brumfield’s departure follows the recent firing of defensive coordinator Chris Marve.
Looking Ahead to the Future
With several key players opting out, the Hokies may face a challenging night against Minnesota. However, the bowl game presents an opportunity for the coaching staff and fans to get a glimpse of younger players who could play pivotal roles in the future.
One notable absence is quarterback Kyron Drones, who is unlikely to play. Given his recovery from multiple injuries, it makes sense to keep him out of the game to ensure he’s as healthy as possible heading into the 2025 season.