Virginia Tech is among five finalists for the highly sought-after 2025 recruit Braydon Hawthorne, who plans to announce his commitment tomorrow night at 7:00. The other finalists are Kentucky, Duke, West Virginia, and Pittsburgh.
Currently, there are no Crystal Ball Projections for Hawthorne, but several top programs remain contenders for the four-star forward. Can Mike Young and the Hokies secure a major recruiting victory tomorrow? Hawthorne visited Virginia Tech last month.
Our analyst Taylor Bretl provided insight on Hawthorne and what he could bring to the team:
“Hawthorne, a 6’8″ small forward, is rated as the No. 1 high school player in West Virginia by both 247 Sports and ESPN. Nationally, he ranks No. 81 on ESPN’s Top 100 and No. 71 on 247 Sports. Among small forwards, he holds the No. 16 spot according to 247 Sports and No. 23 by ESPN.
If Hawthorne commits to Virginia Tech, he would be the highest-ranked recruit to join the Hokies since shooting guard Landers Nolley in 2018, according to 247 Sports — a significant addition for their recruiting class.”
Coach Mike Young has also added transfers Izaiah Pasha and Amani Hansberry to the roster. Pasha made a big impact at Delaware, and Young has brought in Christian Gurdak, Sincere Jones, Antonio Dorn, Solomon Davis, and transfer Jailen Belford from UNLV.
Our own Brett Holmes shared a very early prediction for Virginia Tech’s starting five for the 2025-26 season.
PG – Ben Hammond
Hammond stands out as one of the most exciting returning players for Virginia Tech.
While the trend for point guards is moving toward taller, more versatile scorers, Hammond may not have the size but makes up for it with explosive offensive ability. He plays more like a traditional guard and is always the quickest player on the court when he’s in. His speed and hustle were evident in his freshman year, especially with his ability to recover on both offense and defense.
Where Hammond really shines is in his playmaking. He’s easily the best passer on the team, using his athleticism to draw defenders or find passing lanes before anyone else can. His sophomore season has the potential to be a breakout year.
SG – Jailen Bedford
This could turn into a competition between Bedford and fellow transfer Izaiah Pasha, though Coach Young usually leans toward experienced players on the wing.
Bedford was a productive scorer at Oral Roberts before transferring to UNLV last season. His numbers dropped alongside his reduced playing time with the Rebels. However, he has the potential to be a strong three-level scorer for the Hokies as he aims for a rebound in his final year of eligibility.
If given a larger role, Bedford could return to his 2023 form. His three-point shooting efficiency has remained steady throughout his career. To make the biggest impact, though, he’ll need to focus on ball security, as turnovers were a major issue for Virginia Tech last season. Bedford could play a key role in improving the offense’s overall efficiency.
SF – Jaden Schutt
Schutt was one of the biggest additions last offseason. Although last season didn’t quite meet fans’ expectations, he still showed glimpses of his talent.
His scoring ability is undeniable. Schutt seems just a few steps away from unlocking his full offensive potential. He has the capability to take over games or close them out on his own. When he’s hot, the team’s offense clearly performs at its best.
Consistency, however, remains a challenge for him. He hasn’t often demonstrated the resilience to bounce back quickly from shooting slumps. To become the reliable shooter Coach Mike Young believes he can be, Schutt needs to overcome that mental hurdle. The potential is definitely there, and with Tobi Lawal possibly entering the NBA, Schutt could be poised to become the team’s primary option to start next season.
PF – Tyler Johnson
The youth movement continues to dominate in Blacksburg.
Johnson primarily stood out as a relentless rebounder but also showed steady scoring ability from all three levels. Although his three-point shot is still a work in progress, his 34.8% shooting from beyond the arc sets a solid baseline for a player originally viewed as more of a slasher for the Hokies. His presence and effort inside the paint will be vital to the team’s success.
He quickly earned a starting role in his first year with the program, largely due to the team’s struggles with rebounding. Aside from Lawal, Johnson was the leading force on the boards. His impressive athleticism is evident in his knack for extending plays and scoring second-chance points. With an increased role anticipated for the 2025 season, Johnson is well-prepared for the challenge.
C – Antonio Dorn
This player is the wildcard of the lineup—currently, Dorn is the only center on the roster.
The German big man brings much-needed size to the Hokies. The team averaged 33.3 rebounds per game last season, ranking 14th in the ACC. Dorn’s overseas experience could translate well to the college game. However, his remaining eligibility is uncertain, as he turns 22 this month, so his stay might be short-term.
In Germany, he showed an ability to finish strong around the basket, averaging 9.5 points in just 18 minutes per game. His three-point shooting is virtually nonexistent, but he makes up for it at the free-throw line with a solid 74% shooting percentage. With Patrick Wessler leaving for UNCW, Dorn fills the team’s most pressing positional need.
