Busy May for Virginia Tech Men’s Basketball as Roster Solidifies and ACC Schedule Looms
May is typically a quiet period for college basketball programs, but that wasn’t the case for Virginia Tech and head coach Mike Young this year. A series of developments in Blacksburg gave fans plenty to talk about as the Hokies made key moves heading into the 2025–26 season. From player decisions to scheduling news, the month proved critical in shaping the future of the men’s basketball program.
Tobi Lawal Opts to Return for Senior Year
Senior forward Tobi Lawal made headlines earlier this spring when he entered the NBA Draft process while maintaining his college eligibility. That move allowed him to receive valuable feedback from professional scouts before making a final decision. Ultimately, Lawal chose to return to Virginia Tech for his senior season—a choice that wasn’t unexpected but still significant.
Lawal’s return is a major boost for the Hokies, who are also bringing back key contributors Ben Hammond, Jaden Schutt, and Tyler Johnson. After assessing his standing in the draft and getting input from the NBA community, Lawal decided another year at Tech would give him the best shot at improving his draft prospects.
Mike Young Optimistic for 2025–26 Campaign
Even before Lawal made it official, head coach Mike Young was already expressing confidence about the upcoming season. With a solid core of returning players and a few strategic additions via the transfer portal, Young has reason to be optimistic.
The returning trio of Hammond, Johnson, and Schutt gives the Hokies a solid foundation. Hammond and Johnson gained valuable experience as freshmen last season, and Schutt, who transferred in from Duke, completed his first healthy campaign in a while. While expectations were relatively low last year following a 13-win season, the mood surrounding the program has brightened. Lawal’s return only adds to that sense of momentum.
ACC Announces Conference Opponents; Road Schedule Poses Challenge
In addition to roster developments, May also brought clarity to Virginia Tech’s conference schedule. The Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) released its matchups for the 2025–26 season, which will see teams playing 18 league games instead of the traditional 20. This change aims to allow for more non-conference games, improving the ACC’s overall strength of schedule and giving its teams better chances to secure NCAA Tournament bids.
For the Hokies, however, the draw is far from favorable. Virginia Tech faces a tough road schedule, with away games at several of the ACC’s top-tier programs. They’ll also face Wake Forest twice in a home-and-home series and continue their annual two-game rivalry matchup with Virginia. The schedule doesn’t do the Hokies many favors, especially away from home.
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