The Virginia Tech Hokies are gaining serious momentum on the recruiting front after garnering a commitment from highly-touted offensive tackle Thomas Wilder, a consensus four-star prospect, in one of the biggest recruiting developments for their 2026 class. Wilder, a 6′6″, 285-pound behemoth from Green Run High School in Virginia Beach, has set a commitment date of July 4, narrowing his focus to four finalists: Virginia Tech, Penn State, Maryland, and North Carolina. With his preferred schools announced and an official visit already completed, Wilder’s decision feels imminent—which represents a massive opportunity for the Hokies.
Building Recruiting Momentum
Virginia Tech’s recruiting class began quietly, but has surged in recent weeks. The Hokies have secured five total commitments in June, including standout offensive tackles Buddy Wegdam and Tyrell Simpson. Wegdam, another in-state talent, joined the class as a 6′6″, 280-pound lineman, while Simpson—a 6′7″, 310-pound juggernaut—flipped his commitment from Rutgers, choosing Virginia Tech largely due to the influence of new offensive line coach Matt Moore, who previously coached Simpson at West Virginia. Adding Wilder would mark a third offensive tackle in this impressive haul, greatly enhancing the Hokies’ presence in the trenches.
Deep Roots in Green Run High School
Wilder brings even more Virginia Beach pedigree, following in the footsteps of other recent Green Run alums on the Hokies’ roster—like Keylen Adams, Kamren Johnson, and Zaevion Cleveland. Virginia Tech has leveraged this pipeline effectively in past classes, signaling that the relationship and local connections could tip the scales in their favor again.
Wilder’s Credentials & Recruitment Profile
A consensus four-star recruit by 247Sports, Wilder ranks among the top offensive tackles in the country and places within Virginia’s top ten prospects. His on-field tape underscores his potential: he combines size, athleticism, and technique, with analysts praising his ability to “work to the second level,” finish blocks with authority, show flexibility, and anchor at the point of attack. He’s listed as the No. 318 overall player nationally and the No. 29 tackle. Even earned a 247Sports Crystal Ball pick indicating he might land at Virginia Tech.
Why Virginia Tech Is a Strong Fit
Several elements give Tech a recruiting advantage:
- Strong positional fit: Wilder has consistently played tackle and projects to stay at that position in college—a perfect match for the Hokies’ current needs.
- Coaching synergy: Offensive line coach Matt Moore has built strong relationships with Wilder, dating back to his time coaching at West Virginia, including connections to other players like Simpson.
- Regional ties: With a strong presence of Green Run alumni already at Virginia Tech, Wilder would join a familiar and welcoming environment.
- Program momentum: Virginia Tech’s recruiting class now ranks 84th nationally, and the offensive line additions hint at a potential top-tier unit—especially if both Wilder and fellow target Adrian Hamilton commit.
Looking Ahead
Wilder’s official visit to Blacksburg went well, and his decision timeline is clear: a commitment announcement on July 4. Another lineman, interior lineman Adrian Hamilton from Washington, D.C., is expected to choose on July 5, so Tech could potentially secure two critical offensive line pieces in the same summer window. If both commit, analysts project this could be one of the strongest offensive line recruiting classes of recent memory for Tech .
Summing It Up
Virginia Tech’s prospects are looking increasingly strong:
- Priority recruit: Thomas Wilder is a 6′6″, 285-pound consensus four-star tackle who has officially set a July 4 decision date and is choosing from VT, Penn State, Maryland, and UNC.
- Strategic success: Coach Moore’s recruiting class also includes transfers like Tyrell Simpson (flipped from Rutgers) and in-state commit Buddy Wegdam, signaling depth and talent.
- Recruiting pipeline: The Green Run–Blacksburg connection continues to strengthen, with multiple Green Run players already in Tech’s roster supporting future commitments.
- Class impact: With commitments mounting, Virginia Tech has a developing 2026 offensive line class that could anchor their offense under a rejuvenated coaching staff.
As Tech edges closer to July 4, anticipation grows around Wilder’s announcement. If he chooses the Hokies, it may mark a turning point, showcasing one of Virginia Tech’s strongest offensive line classes in recent memory and reinforcing coach Brent Pry’s strategic recruitment under Moore’s mentorship.
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