Andy Bitter

Senior staff writer and lead football beat writer for Tech Sideline.

Contact at [email protected]

[David Teel @ByDavidTeel]

Comrade @MartyOBrienDP w/a tribute to Curt Newsome, who coached at Peninsula high schools, JMU, #VT and Emory & Henry. #Hokies

“Curt’s level of care for his players was amazing. What he did to give young people hope will live on forever.”

https://t.co/nBuan3XFCS

[Andy Bitter @AndyBitterVT]

Got the contract for the Maryland football series alteration. As you can see, the 2029 game’s guarantee is adjusted to $600K, an increase of $100K . (From the original contract, Maryland will pay the #Hokies $500K to travel for this year’s game in College Park.)

So no, VT did not pay $600K to cancel the 2027 and 2028 games, as has been reported elsewhere.

[Tech Sideline @TechSideline]

Hokie Ventures Approved By Virginia Tech Board Of Visitors

It passed unanimously, and without discussion, at Tuesday's full board meeting. Notes, along with quotes from James Franklin and others:
https://t.co/0hmHeqJAH3

[Tech Sideline @TechSideline]

COMMIT: The #Hokies get another offensive line commitment from Ohio native Dylan Latell (6-7, 275)!

Latell chose Tech over Pitt, Cincinnati and Indiana!

@Dylan_Latell | @TheHokieWay

[David Cunningham @therealdcunna]

#Hokies and James Franklin add their second commitment of the day from offensive lineman Dylan Latell (6-7, 295).

Visited Blacksburg last weekend. Three-star prospect from Girard, Ohio, and picked Virginia Tech over Cincinnati, Indiana, Minnesota, Pitt and others.

[Tech Sideline @TechSideline]

Austin Barrett Commits To Virginia Tech

The three-star cornerback from Paramus Catholic in New Jersey chose the #Hokies after visiting Blacksburg last weekend.
https://t.co/S9aKjMqYRF

[David Cunningham @therealdcunna]

#Hokies and James Franklin add a commitment from Austin Barrett (6-1, 170), a three-star cornerback from Paramus Catholic in New Jersey.

Visited Blacksburg last weekend and picked Virginia Tech. Had a slew of Power Four offers, including Virginia and West Virginia.

[Tech Sideline @TechSideline]

Virginia Tech Board Of Visitors Set To Approve Hokie Ventures On Tuesday🔒

The BOV unanimously approved resolutions to affiliate with and loan funds to Hokie Ventures on Monday, setting the table for Tuesday's approval. Quotes and notes:
https://t.co/bDg1rvRS2T

[David Cunningham @therealdcunna]

Afternoon. The Virginia Tech Board of Visitors is meeting today and tomorrow on campus.

Athletics committee on tap at 3 p.m. ET, which includes Hokie Ventures discussion. #Hokies head coach Megan Duffy speaking as well.

Notable: John Rocovich is not in attendance.

[Damien Sordelett @DamienSordelett]

#Hokies great Cornell Brown on the NFF Ballot for the College Football Hall of Fame

[Andy Bitter @AndyBitterVT]

@rjh9aer @DougBowman247 I doubt the DWI was coincidental

[Andy Bitter @AndyBitterVT]

VT offered this statement regarding Sparks:

“Cam Sparks is no longer with the football program.

Roster attrition is common following a head coaching change, and institutions must now also be mindful of recently mandated roster limits established through the House settlement. Our priority is to be direct and transparent with impacted student-athletes as early as possible so they have the best opportunity to evaluate their next steps academically and athletically.

We appreciate Cam’s time at Virginia Tech and will support him through that transition.”

[Andy Bitter @AndyBitterVT]

Virginia Tech confirms WR Cam Sparks is no longer with the program. A late signee for the #Hokies in 2025, he played a bit late last season but redshirted. He had a 2-yard touchdown catch in the spring game on April 18.

In the VA courts database, a Cameron Lamar Sparks got a misdemeanor DWI on April 12. His lawyer is listed as Jimmy Turk, who frequently defends VT athletes. Sparks is due in court again on June 18.

[Virginia Tech Football @HokiesFB]

We are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Coach Curt Newsome.

A respected leader at Virginia Tech, James Madison, Emory & Henry & across Virginia high school football, Coach Newsome devoted his life to mentoring student-athletes & building championship programs.

We join his family, friends, former players & colleagues in remembering his life, legacy & impact.

[Tech Sideline @TechSideline]

Luke Braham Commits To Virginia Tech

The No. 1 player in West Virginia in the 2027 class hails from Morgantown. The offensive lineman chose the #Hokies after visiting Blacksburg this weekend.
https://t.co/0Lejo6pxff

[Tech Sideline @TechSideline]

COMMIT: The #Hokies receive a pledge from towering offensive lineman Luke Braham (6-5, 260)!

Braham, a Morgantown native, is listed as the No. 1 prospect in West Virginia, according to @247Sports!

@LUKEBRAHAM52 | @TheHokieWay

[Andy Bitter @AndyBitterVT]

@ashmilad @dmjvpi Yes. It never counts in the ACC standings.

[Andy Bitter @AndyBitterVT]

Notably, the #Hokies are slated to play Notre Dame in 2027 (away) and 2028 (home), when the two Maryland games are canceled.

[Pete Thamel @PeteThamel]

Sources: Maryland and Virginia Tech have adjusted the schools' four-game home-and-home series to now play only twice. Maryland will host Tech in 2026 as planned and return the game in Blacksburg in 2029. Maryland has added Baylor to replace the other two Tech games.

[Tech Sideline @TechSideline]

Sam Faniel Commits To Virginia Tech

The Benedictine tight end is a four-star prospect by On3 and a unanimous top-10 talent in the Commonwealth of Virginia.
https://t.co/DCQMWKvJHM

[Tech Sideline @TechSideline]

COMMIT: The #Hokies pick up Sam Faniel (6-5, 215) as their third tight end commit in the 2027 class!

Faniel, a Richmond native, plays for Benedictine College Prep, and is a consensus top-10 player in the state of Virginia!

@samfaniel_ | @TheHokieWay