Keli Lawson transfer portal: Top 5 landing spots for Virginia Tech LB ft. Wisconsin

Virginia Tech linebacker Keli Lawson announced on Friday that he would be entering the transfer portal. Lawson played four years with the Hokies.

Lawson originally committed to the Hokies as a receiver but after limited play time, switched to a linebacker. Following Lawson entering the portal, here are five potential landing spots.

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Keli Lawson transfer portal landing spots

#1 Wisconsin

The Wisconsin Badgers (5-7) are coming off a disappointing season as they didn't even get bowl-eligible.

Luke Fickell will be active in the transfer portal trying to fix its offense and defense. Lawson, meanwhile, would add some experience to the linebacker core and could also chip in with special teams.

Lawson would have the ability to compete for a starting job, which he didn't have at Virginia Tech.

#2 UCF

If Lawson wants to compete for a starting job, going to a smaller school like UCF (4-8) makes sense.

The Knights starting weakside linebacker was Deshawn Pace, who is a senior, so there is a need to add a linebacker. Lawson would get the opportunity to compete for a starting job and try to enhance his NFL draft stock.

Last season with Virginia Tech, Lawson recorded 40 tackles (20 solo and 20 assisted) and 4 pass deflections.

#3 Iowa

Keli Lawson had 40 tackles last season (Credits: IMAGN)

The Iowa Hawkeyes finished the year 8-4 and will look to improve their defense again next season.

The Hawkeyes' weakside linebacker was Nick Jackson, who was a graduate transfer, and behind him was Karson Sharar. Sharar will return in 2025 but Lawson could transfer to Iowa to compete for a starting job.

Even if he doesn't win the starting job, Lawson would get plenty of reps on defense and be an impact linebacker for Iowa.

#4 Virginia

Keli Lawson is from Virginia, so if he wants to stay in state, simply transferring to Virginia makes a lot of sense.

The Cavaliers starting weakside linebacker was Dorian Jones, who was a senior while Landon Daley was the backup but was a freshman. With that, Virginia could have a need for a starting weakside linebacker and Lawson could fit the bill.

#5 TCU

Like the other spots on this list, TCU's starting weakside linebacker was a senior and won't be returning to school.

Lawson would have to compete with Max Carroll, who was a redshirt freshman. The Virginia Tech transfer would compete with Carroll for the starting job and could remain in a Power 4 conference.