We’re just 12 days out from the 2025 ACC Kickoff, set to begin July 22 in Charlotte, North Carolina — the unofficial start to the college football season. Virginia Tech won’t appear until Day 3 of the event on July 24, but on Thursday, the Hokies announced which players will join head coach Brent Pry at the podium.
This year’s group heading to Charlotte includes a blend of returning talent and a new face. Representing Virginia Tech alongside Pry will be quarterback Kyron Drones, linebacker Jaden Keller, defensive lineman Kelvin Gilliam Jr., and wide receiver Donovan Greene, a transfer from Wake Forest.
Also joining Virginia Tech on Day 3 of the ACC Kickoff are Boston College, Clemson, Duke, North Carolina, and NC State.
The Hokies are bringing a well-rounded group to Charlotte, highlighted by quarterback Kyron Drones, who is looking to bounce back after an injury-riddled finish to the 2024 season. Drones missed four of the final five games, including the bowl game loss to Minnesota, due to multiple injuries. He also sat out the final week of spring practices and the Spring Game after undergoing a medical procedure. Still, in December, it was confirmed that both Drones and Pop Watson would return for the 2025 season, solidifying Tech’s quarterback room.
Defensive lineman Kelvin Gilliam Jr. is expected to play a major role this fall. After transferring from Oklahoma ahead of last season, Gilliam is poised to step up for a defensive line that lost key contributors to the NFL and graduation. At linebacker, Jaden Keller returns to help lead the unit alongside Caleb Woodson under first-year defensive coordinator Sam Siefkes.
On the offensive side, graduate transfer wide receiver Donovan Greene arrives from Wake Forest and figures to be a key target for Drones. With Virginia Tech losing several receivers to graduation and the NFL, Greene will be relied upon heavily. Expect Cameron Seldon to also emerge as a playmaker in the passing game this season.
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