Virginia Tech Wrestling Lands Standout Transfer Ethen Miller
Virginia Tech Wrestling continues to strengthen its roster with the addition of a proven competitor. On Sunday, the Hokies secured a commitment from Ethen Miller, a redshirt senior transferring from the University of Maryland. Miller, a three-time NCAA qualifier, has one season of eligibility remaining and brings valuable experience and depth to an already talented Virginia Tech squad.
Originally from Kansas City, Miller wrestled at 157 pounds for Maryland during the 2024-25 season. He posted an impressive 20-0 record through the regular season, the best unbeaten campaign by a Terrapin wrestler in over a decade — dating back to the 2013-14 season. His dominant performance earned him the top seed in the 157-pound bracket heading into the Big Ten Championships.
Although he entered the conference tournament as the No. 1 seed, Miller finished in sixth place. However, his performance was still strong enough to earn him the No. 10 seed at the 2025 NCAA Championships in Philadelphia. Over the course of his college career at Maryland, Miller compiled a 68-23 record and qualified for the NCAA tournament in each of his three active seasons, proving himself as one of the most consistent wrestlers in the Big Ten.
Miller’s arrival in Blacksburg significantly strengthens a Virginia Tech team that already finished 11th at the NCAA Championships this past March. The Hokies had nine national qualifiers and three All-Americans last season, and the addition of a veteran like Miller only raises the ceiling for the program under head coach Tony Robie.
While Miller’s talent is a huge plus, his arrival may also prompt some adjustments within the lineup. Virginia Tech’s current starter at 157 pounds is redshirt sophomore Rafael Hipolito, Jr., who won the 2025 ACC Championship and has shown significant promise. At the 149-pound class, another slot Miller has competed in previously, the Hokies are led by reigning national champion Caleb Henson, who has reached the NCAA finals in consecutive seasons.
Given these roster dynamics, it’s possible Miller could move up to the 165-pound weight class. The Hokies haven’t had a high-level contender at that weight since Mekhi Lewis won the school’s first-ever NCAA wrestling title in 2019. Miller’s experience, coupled with his ability to perform at a high level across different weight classes, makes him a valuable asset as Robie looks to fill out the middle of his lineup.
Whether Miller competes at 157 or transitions to 165, his presence adds versatility, leadership, and NCAA tournament experience to a Virginia Tech team that continues to rise in national prominence. His transfer could play a pivotal role in helping the Hokies contend for a top-10 team finish or higher at the 2026 NCAA Championships.
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