One of the biggest questions facing the Virginia Tech football team entering the 2025 season is who will take over the workload at running back now that Bhayshul Tuten is off to the NFL with the Jacksonville Jaguars. The Hokies return P.J. Prioleau, who had his 2024 season cut short due to injury, as well as Jeremiah Coney.
Virginia Tech also lost Malachi Thomas, who entered the transfer portal and ended up at Purdue. That departure forced head coach Brent Pry and his staff to search for replacements, including highly-touted incoming freshman Jeffrey Overton, who has drawn early praise from the coaches. The Hokies also bolstered the running back room through the transfer portal, setting up what should be a competitive position battle during fall camp to determine who will carry the load in 2025.
One newcomer, however, has already emerged as a front-runner. Bowling Green transfer Terion Stewart, who committed to Virginia Tech over the winter, has been named to the Doak Walker Award Watch List, an honor given to the nation’s top running backs. Stewart is one of 17 ACC running backs on the list and is expected to play a key role for the Hokies this season.
Last season at Bowling Green, Terion Stewart rushed for 898 yards on 166 carries, scoring six touchdowns while averaging an impressive 5.4 yards per carry. He delivered a standout performance against Western Michigan, racking up 150 yards on the ground in a key victory. Stewart’s physical running style is reminiscent of Bhayshul Tuten—built low to the ground, tough to tackle, and always willing to lower his shoulder against defenders. Hokies fans are going to appreciate his hard-nosed approach and relentless motor.
In addition to Stewart, Virginia Tech added Marcellous Hawkins and Braydon Bennett through the transfer portal to deepen the running back room. However, Stewart stands out as the player most likely to step into Tuten’s role. His quick-cutting ability, field vision, and explosive burst in the open field make him a prime candidate to be the Hokies’ featured back in 2025. Stewart has the tools to surprise a lot of people this season, and his inclusion on the Doak Walker Award Watch List feels like just the beginning of what could be a breakout year in Blacksburg.
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