Virginia Tech has made a surprising late addition to its roster just days before the 2026 season opener, bringing in former South Carolina defensive back DQ Smith.
The Hokies announced the addition Tuesday, giving first-year head coach James Franklin another experienced defensive player ahead of Saturday’s season opener against VMI. Smith’s arrival is especially notable because he only entered the transfer portal on August 23, meaning the move came remarkably close to the start of the season.
Smith spent four seasons at South Carolina and developed into one of the Gamecocks’ most experienced defensive backs. During his career in Columbia, he appeared in 48 games and made 45 starts, recording 228 total tackles, 4.5 tackles for loss, 1.5 sacks, five interceptions and 11 passes defended. He also finished the 2025 season tied for South Carolina’s team lead in tackles.
His experience immediately gives Virginia Tech another proven option in the secondary.
Smith joins a safety group that already includes Quentin Reddish, Tyson Flowers, Sheldon Robinson, Sherrod Covil and Jordan Bass. The addition gives Franklin another veteran capable of contributing in a position group that already ranks among the most experienced in college football in terms of career FBS snaps.
The timing of the move is what makes the announcement particularly surprising.
Virginia Tech is less than a week away from its opener, yet Smith was already on the practice field Tuesday after joining the program. That suggests the Hokies believe he can quickly get up to speed and potentially contribute immediately rather than simply serving as a depth addition for later in the season.
There is also an unusual eligibility component to the move. Smith attended an NFL tryout with the Minnesota Vikings but did not sign an NFL contract. Because he remained unsigned, he was able to join Virginia Tech rather than having his college career end with his departure from South Carolina.
Smith’s arrival also comes at an interesting time for the Hokies. Franklin is beginning his first season at Virginia Tech after taking over the program, and expectations are centered on how quickly he can reshape the roster and establish a new identity.
Adding a player with nearly 50 games of college experience this late in the offseason is exactly the type of opportunity a new coaching staff would want to take advantage of.
For Smith, the move provides an unexpected continuation of his college career. After four seasons at South Carolina, his next step appeared uncertain following his entry into the transfer portal. Instead, he now has an opportunity to play immediately for a Virginia Tech team looking to start the Franklin era on a strong note.
The Hokies will open their season against VMI on Saturday, giving Smith very little time to settle into his new surroundings. His presence at practice so soon after joining the team, however, indicates that Virginia Tech intends to make the most of his experience.
The move could ultimately prove valuable beyond the opener. A defensive back with Smith’s résumé gives the Hokies another player who has already faced SEC-level competition and understands the demands of playing major college football.
For Virginia Tech, this is a low-risk opportunity to add experience to an already veteran secondary. For Smith, it is a chance to continue his college career and potentially make an immediate impact.
What initially looked like a late and unexpected roster development has therefore created another intriguing storyline heading into Virginia Tech’s season opener. The Hokies have added a former SEC starter just days before kickoff, and all eyes will be on how quickly DQ Smith can make his presence felt in Blacksburg.
