Sam Siefkes has secured his first major win as Virginia Tech’s new defensive coordinator, landing a key commitment for the 2026 recruiting class. Since stepping into the coordinator role in January, Siefkes has now brought in linebacker Joshua Pittman from King’s Fork High School, marking the Hokies’ first defensive commitment for the class.
Pittman, a rising talent in high school football, had garnered significant attention from programs across the country. According to 247Sports, he held 14 scholarship offers, with On3.com listing two additional schools expressing interest in his potential. Despite the competitive field, Virginia Tech managed to secure his pledge, signaling a strong start to Siefkes’ recruiting efforts.
The Hokies edged out several Atlantic Coast Conference rivals to land Pittman, including Duke, North Carolina, Syracuse, and Pitt. These schools had all made offers in hopes of bringing the talented linebacker to their own programs. Additionally, notable programs outside the ACC such as Michigan State, West Virginia, and Indiana were also reportedly pursuing him.
Pittman’s decision to commit to Virginia Tech highlights not only his belief in the direction of the Hokies’ football program but also the persuasive efforts of Siefkes and the coaching staff. For Virginia Tech, this commitment is especially meaningful as it represents the beginning of a new defensive identity under Siefkes’ leadership.
As the first defensive recruit in the 2026 class, Pittman sets the tone for what could become a strong and strategically built defensive unit. His commitment may also help build momentum for future signings, as programs often gain recruiting traction after securing early commitments from promising players.
With the competition he faced from other Power Five schools, Siefkes’ ability to bring Pittman on board is seen as a significant recruiting win. It underscores Virginia Tech’s continued focus on strengthening its defense through young, high-upside talent. For Pittman, the Hokies offer a chance to contribute early in his college career and grow under a coaching staff eager to make its mark.
In short, the addition of Joshua Pittman is a promising start for Virginia Tech’s 2026 class and a confidence boost for their newly appointed defensive coordinator.
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