Virginia Tech football 2026 preview: Cornerbacks and safeties

BLACKSBURG, VIRGINIA - SEPTEMBER 6: Quentin Reddish #0 of the Virginia Tech Hokies reacts on the sideline during the game against the Vanderbilt Commodores at Lane Stadium on September 6, 2025 in Blacksburg, Virginia. (Photo by Ryan Hunt/Getty Images) | Getty Images

In less than one week, the Virginia Tech Hokies are back in action. It will be the first game for new head coach James Franklin when the VMI Keydets come to Lane Stadium to open the 2026 season.

Saturday’s game will also feature the re-debut of defensive coordinator Brent Pry. Pry was Virginia Tech’s head coach for the past four seasons, but was fired last season after an 0-3 start. Pry is excited to be back in Blacksburg, and in the offseason retained Virginia Tech’s top defensive players from a year ago: defensive tackle Kemari Copeland, linebackers Noah Chambers and Kaleb Spencer and safety Quentin Reddish.

Speaking of Reddish, the Virginia Tech secondary has an interesting blend of returning players and newcomers.

We conclude our 2026 season preview today with a look at the secondary.

CornerbackNumberNameClassSizeHometownPrevious school5Joshua ClarkeR-SO.6-1, 189Alexandria, Va.23Thomas WilliamsR-JR.5-11, 193Greenville, S.C.43Josh JonesR-SO.5-10, 193Aldie, Va.29Jahmari DeLoatchR-FR.5-9, 176Chesapeake, Va.35Jojo CrimSO5-11, 173Camden, S.C.9Isaiah Brown-MurrayR-SR.5-9, 197Charlotte, N.C.East Carolina20Cam Chadwick Jr. R-JR.5-11, 193Plainfield, N.J.Connecticut18Amauri PolydorFR.6-0, 184Baltimore, Md. 2Jaquez WhiteSR.5-11, 192Blackshear, Ga.Troy22Kenny Woseley Jr.R-SO.5-11, 185Philadelphia, Pa. Penn State47Danny GarvinFR.6-0, 194Alexandria, Va. 21Zaevion ClevelandFR.6-2, Virginia Beach, Va.

A deep group here. The star of the show and most important player is Jaquez White. The Hokies had to fight to land White, winning a battle with the SEC. Everyone held their breath at the spring game when White was hurt, but fortunately it was not a long-term issue, and he’s on the field this year. Brown-Murray is back, and he’s expected to play the nickel, with Woseley also in the mix.

White and Clarke figure to be Tech’s top outside cornerbacks, but keep an eye on Williams and Chadwick. The freshman to know here is Polydor. The Baltimore native had a terrific spring and could be one of a few freshmen to play and not redshirt this season. The Hokies are excited about Clarke.

This is a very good mix of experience and returning players. White has All-ACC potential in 2026.

SafetyNumberNameClassSizeHometownPrevious school0Quentin ReddishR-SO.6-2, 196Charlotte, N.C.28Knahlij HarrellSO.5-11, 195Virginia Beach, Va.6Jordan BassSR.6-3, 212Hampton, Va.Pitt7Sherrod Covil Jr.SR.5-10, 196Chesapeake, Va.Clemson11Tyson FlowersR-SR.5-11, 204Fort Worth, TexasRice15Brennan JohnsonSO.5-11, 199Richmond14Sheldon RobinsonSO.6-2, 208Orange County, Va. 24Tyrell GrantFR.6-0, 205Suffolk, Va.

Reddish and Flowers should start here. Reddish is another potential All-ACC player. Keep an eye on Robinson. The sophomore has big-time potential and will play a lot. Covil has helped out some at linebacker due to injury.

Outlook

This unit has a chance to be a strength again in 2026. So much of a cornerback’s success is dependent on the pass rush. The Hokies should have a much-improved pass rush this season, led by Copeland on the inside. Unlike recent seasons, Tech isn’t one injury away from disaster in the secondary. The Hokies have depth, specifically at the cornerback spots.

At safety, Reddish and Robinson are the names that stand out most to me. Flowers will start, as he brings plenty of experience, but Robinson will be involved. It will be interesting to see how the Hokies employ Bass. Covil’s versatility will help get him some snaps.