Virginia Tech has bolstered its offensive line with the addition of , a transfer from West Virginia. The offensive tackle announced his decision on Monday. Originally from Sterling, Illinois, Austin redshirted during his lone season with the Mountaineers and will join the Hokies as a redshirt freshman, retaining four years of eligibility.
Austin is the third offensive lineman Virginia Tech has acquired from West Virginia this offseason, joining guard Tomas Rimac and center Kyle Altuner. He is expected to compete for the left tackle position, where he will face competition from returning players Johnny Garrett, Montavious Cunningham, and Web Davidson. This role became vacant after Xavier Chaplin, who had started there for the past two seasons, transferred to Auburn.
During his time at Sterling High School, Austin showcased his versatility, playing on both the offensive and defensive lines. As a senior in 2023, he earned honorable mention all-state honors and was a two-time all-conference selection. In addition to football, Austin excelled in basketball, where he was a dual-sport athlete. He graduated as Sterling’s all-time leader in scoring, rebounds, and three-pointers, earning two all-state and two all-conference accolades. He averaged 17.5 points and 7.6 rebounds per game during his senior basketball season.
Ranked as a three-star recruit, Austin was listed as the No. 1,164 overall prospect nationally in the 247Sports Composite rankings. Within Illinois, he was rated No. 28, though 247Sports’ own rankings placed him at No. 12. His recruitment out of high school saw limited Power Five interest, with Northwestern being his only other offer. He also received offers from programs such as Air Force, Army, Eastern Michigan, Miami (OH), and Northern Illinois. His entry into the transfer portal on Dec. 27 prompted a quieter recruitment process this time around.
Austin is now the 12th transfer portal addition for Virginia Tech and the sixth on offense. Alongside Rimac and Altuner, the Hokies have also added running backs Terion Stewart (Bowling Green) and Marcellous Hawkins (Central Missouri), as well as wide receiver Cameron Seldon (Tennessee).
For further details about Virginia Tech’s transfer portal moves, fans can explore Tech Sideline’s roster management page.
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