One thing has become clear over the years: the rivalry between Virginia Tech and Virginia football doesn’t just heat up on Thanksgiving Weekend—it’s a year-round battle. In fact, the last two holiday weekends have been especially sweet for the Hokies, who secured bowl eligibility with back-to-back wins over their in-state rivals.
When the 2024 season kicked off, few Virginia Tech fans could’ve predicted that the Thanksgiving Weekend matchup in Blacksburg would carry bowl implications for both teams. But that’s exactly what happened—proof of how underwhelming the season was for each side. Now, the rivalry is spilling over into recruiting, with a major decision looming that could shape the future for both programs.
Virginia Tech and Virginia Football Battle for In-State Recruit
The intensity of the rivalry will ratchet up again on July 25, when three-star defensive lineman JaySean Richardson announces his college commitment. His final two choices? The Hokies and the Cavaliers. Richardson visited both programs during the recent recruiting window—stopping by Charlottesville on June 5 and Blacksburg on June 20—setting the stage for a fierce recruiting showdown to close out the month.
According to 247Sports, JaySean Richardson is ranked No. 117 nationally in the Class of 2026 and No. 27 among Virginia prospects. The 6-foot, 290-pound defensive lineman from Richmond has yet to receive a Crystal Ball prediction, making his upcoming commitment even more intriguing. For Virginia Tech head coach Brent Pry and his staff, this is another critical recruiting battle they can’t afford to lose.
On Thursday night, the Hokies added their eighth commitment in the 2026 class when Thomas Wilder pledged to the program. More decisions are expected in the coming weeks, and Virginia Tech remains firmly in the mix. Pry has made in-state recruiting a clear priority, working to keep top Virginia talent at home in Blacksburg. With Richardson’s decision looming, both fanbases—and coaching staffs—will be watching closely.
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