Top 5 Virginia Tech players who have entered the transfer portal ahead of Duke's Mayo Bowl ft. Xavier Chaplin

The Virginia Tech Hokies have one eye on the transfer portal and one on the Duke's Mayo Bowl. Off a 6-6 regular season, Tech has both gained and lost plenty of new players before their battle with Minnesota.

While transfers move on different timelines and with different stages of consideration or certainty, here's the top five Hokies who have put their names in the transfer portal ahead of the bowl game.

Top 5 Virginia Tech players who have entered transfer portal ahead of bowl game

Virginia Tech safety Mose Phillips III, here making a tackle, is heading to Missouri in the transfer portal. (Photo Credit: IMAGN)

#5. Keli Lawson, LB

A significant multi-year contributor for Tech, Lawson had an amazing 2023 season. He had 80 tackles with seven tackles for loss (2.5 sacks) and seven pass-breakups, including an interception. In 2024, his role declined as he had 40 tackles with two TFLs and five pass break-ups. Lawson has just one year of remaining eligibility and is headed to Central Florida to finish his college career.

#4. Mose Phillips III, S

Phillips played an important role for Tech. In his second season, he was a starting safety who finished with 65 tackles with four tackles for loss and four pass breakups, including an interception. Phillips's next destination will be Missouri, and he's likely to see significant immediate action in an SEC secondary given his experience and talent.

#3. Braelin Moore, C

Moore spent three years at Tech. After redshirting in 2022, he played guard in 2023 and moved to center in 2024. He's one of the top-rated interior offensive linemen in the entire portal and figured to be a day one starter at most schools. Moore picked LSU for his next destination, which both confirms his level of talent and the Tigers' interest in dominating the portal this offseason.

#2. Mansoor Delane, CB

Braelin Moore will have company in Baton Rouge, as fellow Tech transfer Mansoor Delane will also be joining the Tigers. In three impressive seasons, Delane has totaled 146 tackles with eight tackles for loss. He also broke up 16 passes, which includes six interceptions. Four of Delane's picks came in 2024 and he's regarded as a top cornerback and will have a season to battle in the SEC with LSU.

#1. Xavier Chaplin, OT

Chaplin spent three years at Tech and was a significant contributor at tackle over each of the past two seasons. College Football News named him a Third Team All-American a year ago. Chaplin battled injuries in 2024 but was still deeply sought after in the portal. With two remaining seasons, he's heading to Auburn. The 6-foot-7, 323-pound giant should make a big impact in the SEC.

What do you make of Virginia Tech's transfer losses? Share your take in the comments section below.