As the summer recruiting window approaches, the Virginia Tech Hokies are heating up on the trail—this time setting their sights on one of the top in-state prospects in the 2026 class. Westmoreland High School standout Jaylen Burrell has become the latest name to generate buzz around the Hokies, thanks to a new 247Sports Crystal Ball prediction favoring Virginia Tech to land the versatile athlete.
Burrell, a 6-foot-3, 185-pound prospect out of Montross, Virginia, has the size, speed, and athleticism to make an early impact at the collegiate level. Currently ranked as the No. 67 athlete nationally and the No. 21 player in Virginia by 247Sports Composite, Burrell has drawn interest from programs like Boston College, South Carolina, Charlotte, and Old Dominion. However, all signs are pointing toward Blacksburg, especially as Burrell is slated for an official visit on May 30th.
The Hokies are putting together a promising 2026 class that already includes four-star wide receiver Carnell Warren. With just three commitments locked in so far, Burrell could be the next critical piece in what’s shaping up to be a strong recruiting cycle for head coach Brent Pry and his staff.
Adding to the momentum is the Hokies’ recent pickup of Joshua Pittman, a raw but highly promising linebacker from King’s Fork High School. Standing at 6-foot-3 and weighing 210 pounds, Pittman has the physical traits of a future edge rusher and has shown flashes of dominance on tape. He’s known for his speed off the edge, ability to contain mobile quarterbacks, and versatility to play standing up or with a hand in the dirt.
While he’ll need to bulk up—coaches hope to see him at around 225 pounds—Pittman’s ceiling is high. Defensive coordinator Sam Siefkes envisions him as a long-term piece on the edge, especially important as the Hokies enter a new era following the departure of star defensive end Antwaun Powell-Ryland.
As recruiting continues to ramp up, Virginia Tech’s ability to attract top in-state talent like Burrell, combined with promising additions like Pittman, shows a growing confidence in the program’s direction. If Burrell commits, it will be another statement that the Hokies are reclaiming their home-state dominance—and building something special for 2026 and beyond.
