The Virginia Tech Hokies are undergoing substantial changes to their roster following the conclusion of their spring practice sessions. Over the weekend, redshirt sophomore defensive back Braylon Johnson made the decision to enter the NCAA transfer portal, marking another shift in the Hokies’ lineup.
At 6-foot-1 and weighing 185 pounds, Johnson had a notable start to his career at Virginia Tech. During his true freshman season in 2023, he appeared in 12 games and recorded 12 tackles, showing promise in his early career. In 2024, Johnson played in four games and made four tackles before opting to redshirt for the season. His time at Virginia Tech included high expectations, given his family’s strong ties to the program. Johnson is the son of Loren Johnson, a former Virginia Tech cornerback who is now a respected high school football coach at Highland Springs High School in Virginia. Braylon had a successful high school career, playing a key role in leading Highland Springs to a state championship during his senior season. With three years of eligibility remaining, Johnson is now exploring new opportunities with other programs as he seeks to continue his football career elsewhere.
Alongside Johnson, redshirt sophomore linebacker/defensive back Cameren Fleming also entered the transfer portal on Monday, signaling another change to the Hokies’ defensive unit. Fleming, who stands 6-foot-0 and weighs 202 pounds, hails from North Chesterfield, Virginia, and attended Trinity Episcopal High School. In his true freshman year in 2023, Fleming did not see any game action and redshirted. During the 2024 season, he participated in four games and recorded two tackles. Despite limited playing time at Virginia Tech, Fleming has three years of eligibility remaining and is now seeking a fresh start at another school.
These two moves reflect the ongoing roster changes within the Virginia Tech football program. The Hokies are continuing to evaluate and adjust their lineup as they move forward after spring practice. Both Johnson and Fleming were players with potential, but as the team looks to refine its roster and optimize its depth, these changes provide an opportunity for both players to find new programs where they can contribute more significantly. As the NCAA transfer portal becomes an increasingly important part of college football, these departures are part of a larger trend of players seeking better opportunities for playing time and career advancement at other institutions.
For the Hokies, these exits highlight the ever-evolving nature of college football rosters, especially in the wake of spring practices, where teams reassess their needs and direction for the coming seasons. With these departures, Virginia Tech will likely look to recruit new talent or adjust its existing roster to maintain competitiveness in the upcoming seasons.
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