2026 VT Position Previews: Major Competition on the Offensive Line

In 2025, Virginia Tech struggled mightily to develop consistency along the offensive line. Early-season injuries forced young, inexperienced players into the lineup, and constant shuffling prohibited any kind of cohesion up front. Tomas Rimac was forced to play every offensive line position other than center a year ago, and while his versatility was impressive, the constant switching is not conducive to effective line play. Similar to how a quarterback needs to develop chemistry with his wide receivers, an offensive line needs ample reps and practice time together to develop the communication and rhythm necessary to be effective. However, once the Hokies were able to find a consistent front five, the running game found its footing, finishing the season 30th in the country in rushing yards per game. Unfortunately, the passing game could not find similar success, with the Hokies surrendering 29 sacks a year ago. The blame for those sacks cannot all be placed on the offensive line, as position coach Matt Moore pointed out this Spring. He said that the offensive scheme and the strength of quarterback Kyron Drones lent themselves to a run-heavy attack. Meanwhile, the passing offense consisted of deep throws and scramble plays from Drones, which means the offensive line has to protect longer and can lead to more sacks. Now, Moore says the quarterback (presumably Ethan Grunkemeyer) is a stronger passer than runner, and all the Virginia Tech quarterbacks did a nice job this Spring of stepping up in the pocket and getting the ball out faster. The change in quarterbacks and offensive philosophy should help take some of the pressure off the line, but there are still some big questions about who exactly will be protecting the Hokies’ signal-caller this season. The position room features some returning players who should add some valued experience to the offense, coupled with some talented newcomers who are already making a good impression on the coaches. As always, health will be a major factor in how productive the offensive line is this season, with the Hokies already struggling with some attrition during Spring camp. However, Matt Moore says the group is much deeper than it was a year ago, so if the injury bug bites the Hokies again this season, they should be more prepared.

With that, let’s take a closer look at the Virginia Tech offensive linemen that could make the biggest impact this season.

The Returners

For all the question marks along the Hokies’ offensive line heading into this season, Moore at least knows he can rely on a solid center in Kyle Altuner. Center and left tackle are among the most important positions not just on the line, but on the entire offense. While the left tackle is obviously important because they usually protect your quarterback’s blindside, the center is valuable for what they do pre-snap. Centers are often responsible for identifying what the defensive line and linebackers are doing, making calls to the rest of the offensive line, and in some systems even setting the pass protection. That’s what makes having a returning starter in Altuner so important. Altuner started all 12 games a season ago as a redshirt freshman, which is a rarity for the center position. The experience he gained last season was important, but the coaching staff also challenged him hard this offseason to grow as a player and a leader. Moore says Altuner has gotten bigger and stronger, allowing him to be more physical at the point of attack. This summer, Moore said that the whole offensive line room is following Altuner, as he is one of the most vocal leaders at the position. However, Moore made it clear that Altuner has faced competition this offseason from fellow redshirt sophomore Tommy Ricard, who’s appeared in 15 games across his two seasons in Blacksburg. Moore says Ricard is a really consistent and smart player, and while I do not believe he will be able to overtake Kyle Altuner, he’ll serve as good interior depth for the Hokies.

The Hokies will return three more experienced offensive linemen who’ve spent ample time in the maroon and orange in Johnny Garrett, Layth Ghannam, and Montavious Cunningham. Garrett started 10 games last season at tackle, but also has the ability to kick inside the guard, where he was seen working this spring. Virginia Tech used the offseason camp to mix and match their offensive line units to help build depth and evaluate the versatility of their linemen. Moore says it’s important to get guys comfortable playing next to different players should injuries arise during the season. As a redshirt senior, Garrett comes with lots of experience and was pointed out by Moore as the most vocal leader of the group. While competition is prevalent across the line, it’s hard to imagine a player with the experience and size of Garrett, who stands at 6-5, 323 lbs, not finding his way into the starting rotation this season; however, what position he ends up playing remains to be seen. Ghannam also started 10 games a season ago and played alongside Altuner in the proverbial “first group” of linemen during the Spring Game at left guard. Similar to Garrett, Ghannam’s experience and rapport with both Moore and Altuner will make him valuable, and potentially give him a leg up in the competition against the talented young players vying for starting roles. Finally, Montavious Cunningham seems to be transitioning back out to tackle, the position he played during his time at Georgia State and seemingly his more natural role. Cunningham has had to play guard during his time in Blacksburg due to injuries, so his versatility will certainly be an asset for Moore. However, Cunningham is coming off a season hampered by injuries, so his health will be a major question mark heading into the season.

There is another crop of returning Hokies on the offensive line that do not come with as much experience as the three I just detailed, but have made big strides in the offseason to become a factor in this offensive line competition. One of those players is Aidan Lynch, who was thrust into a starting tackle spot last season due to injuries. He performed admirably, allowing just two sacks all year, but still faces some typical young player obstacles. Moore says Lynch has gotten work at both tackle spots this offseason and that he’s working on becoming a more confident player. Moore says that Lynch tries too hard to be perfect at times, causing him to lack a little of the aggression Moore is looking for. If Lynch can overcome that mental block, he has the ability to challenge for a starting job. Another player that could factor into the tackle rotation this season is redshirt sophomore Lucas Austin. Austin transferred to Virginia Tech prior to last season from West Virginia and primarily played on special teams in 2025. Moore says Austin has made major improvements this offseason in the weight room and on the field and can play both tackle and guard. Finally, Brody Meadows is back for the Hokies after missing all of last season with injury. Moore also said he suffered an injury during Spring Ball in 2025, meaning he had not gotten the chance to really evaluate him until this spring. Meadows has appeared in 24 games for the Hokies, and if he can stay healthy, his experience could make him valuable. Moore says he studies the game incredibly hard, and with his 6-7 frame, ha the size and length to be a productive player. 

The New Guys

In addition to the returning players, the Hokies also beefed up the offensive line through the portal and high school recruiting. One of the biggest gets in this offseason’s portal class was Oklahoma transfer Logan Howland. Howland was rated as the 30th best offensive tackle in the 2023 class. He started six games for the Sooners at left tackle in 2024, then played in their first five games this past season before suffering an injury. Howland comes to Blacksburg with big-time college football experience, but a history of injuries, including missing the entirety of spring ball. Howland will need to get up to speed quickly during Fall Camp, but his experience at the Power Four level makes him a heavyweight contender for a starting tackle spot.

The two most intriguing additions to the Hokies' offensive line ranks are Justin Terry and Michael Troutman. Both players transferred in from Big 10 schools, with Terry coming from Ohio State and Troutman following James Franklin from Penn State. Neither comes in with a lot of reps under their belt, but both possess the physical tools to be impact players. With Terry standing at 6-5, 358 lbs, and Troutman coming in at a stout 6-2, 316 lbs, Matt Moore says they are both physically ready to contribute, but just need more reps. Both players received reps with Virginia Tech’s first group of offensive linemen this spring, with Terry projecting as a tackle and Troutman working on the interior. Coaches say that Troutman can play all three interior spots, both guards and center. That’s the kind of versatility that Moore and Franklin are looking for, so he is pushing hard to crack the starting rotation. As young players, both will need to demonstrate consistency this summer and fall to show they are ready to play on Saturdays.

Matt Moore says the Hokies want to have their top five offensive linemen solidified about halfway through camp, so that the starting group can get plenty of reps together before week one. Moore says the biggest things he will be looking for to decide his starting rotation will be availability, consistency, and guys who strain every single rep. Currently, Virginia Tech sports a good mix of experience and talent along the offensive line, and there is no doubt the room is in better shape than it was a year ago. However, the Hokies will still be relying on several young players to take big steps in their development, as well as crossing their fingers that injuries do not hit the position as hard as they did in 2025.