Virginia Tech Shocked as Second Top Recruit Abruptly Backs Out — What’s Behind the Sudden Turn?

Well, here we go again—Virginia Tech’s football program is in that all-too-familiar state of chaos. Just days after the unexpected dismissal of head coach Brent Pry, the fallout is hitting harder than anyone probably imagined. Their prized recruit for 2026, four-star offensive tackle Thomas Wilder, has already pulled his commitment, and now Kamdon “K.J.” Gillespie, a towering defensive lineman with a forest of offers, is saying ‘nah’ to the Hokies too. With nearly half the class slipping away and whispers swirling about uncertainty in Blacksburg, it’s clear this storm is far from over. The clock’s ticking—how many more will jump ship before the dust settles? And honestly, without even knowing who will wear the coach’s hat next, it’s tough for recruits to keep buying what Virginia Tech’s selling. Still, if the rumored budget boost pans out, and the transfer portal keeps humming, maybe the Hokies can turn this ship around quicker than anyone expects. Buckle up, because these next couple of months are going to be a wild ride. LEARN MORE

It’s only been a few days since the Virginia Tech Hokies fired head coach Brent Pry. That hasn’t stopped their 2026 recruiting class from falling apart. Earlier this week, Tech’s top commitment, four-star offensive tackle Thomas Wilder, decommitted from the Hokies.

On Wednesday, we learned of a second decommitment. Kamdon “K.J.” Gillespie, a 6-foot-3, 245-pound defensive lineman from Mooresville High in Mooresville, North Carolina, revealed he is no longer committed to Virginia Tech.

Gillespie had over 20 offers and initially chose the Hokies over his other finalist, Georgia Tech. Boston College, Vanderbilt, Kentucky and West Virginia were among Gillespie’s other offers. It’s unclear if those schools remain at the top of Gillespie’s list, but it’s safe to assume he won’t be coming to Virginia Tech.

The Hokies now have nine commitments remaining for 2026. I would expect more of those players to back off their pledges to VT.

Only one player has taken advantage of the 30-day transfer portal window after Pry’s firing: sophomore cornerback Dante Lovett. However, more players will likely depart in the coming weeks.

A report emerged Wednesday that the Hokies haven’t given a lot of answers to recruits other than that the Hokies would honor their commitment. Well, that’s hard to know, considering no one knows who Virginia Tech’s next coach will be.

It’s going to be a long two-plus months in Blacksburg, but if the Hokies do receive the funding increase many are expecting, the future suddenly looks much brighter. While this era of college football isn’t popular with everyone, it’s easier than ever for a new coach to turn a team around with the transfer portal.