Brent Pry explains how Virginia Tech was able to retain so much talent on roster

In the current, modern iteration of college football it’s more challenging than ever for head coaches to hold onto their best players. Many of whom have an opportunity to take their talents to the next level and now depart from the program through the transfer portal with more freedom with ever before.

For as important as it is to recruit and obtain good players, retaining them may be even more pivotal in 2024. Which Virginia Tech and head coach Brent Pry were able to do this offseason, giving them one of the strongest rosters they’ve had in recent history.

Pry joined the set of ACC Football Kickoff at conference media days on Tuesday in Charlotte and spoke about all of the factors that go into retaining players and his key to success in that department this offseason.

“Yeah, there’s a lot,” Pry admitted. “It’s developing a plan, individual meetings with them, with their parents, multiple meetings. Identifying weaknesses, where can they grow, giving them all the information to make the best choice for them.”

“What does the NFL opportunities look like? What are the transfer opportunities? Why is it in their best interest to remain in Virginia Tech if it is?” Pry asked. “And for all these guys it was.”

According to ESPN’s Bill Connelly, the Hokies are returning 84% of their production from last season. Which ranked fourth best in the FBS following their best finish since 2019 with a seven-win season.

But retaining players has a new element in 2024, NIL. The elephant in the room that has had a major impact on student-athletes deciding to stay at a program or take their talents elsewhere in their college careers. An aspect to Virginia Tech’s program that the Hokies have thankfully been able to excel in as well.

“Guys have spurned the NFL, guys have spurned more money other places, but also we have a very competitive collective,” Pry said. “The Hokie Way and Triumph have been outstanding for us, allowed us to be competitive in space. That was important. That’s not ever the reason I want somebody to stay or come, but man, it has to be.”

Pry seems to have all his bases covered ahead of his third season at the helm for Virginia Tech. Entering the year with high expectations that the Hokies have the potential to meet in 2024 in a new look ACC.