The Virginia Tech Hokies are in the middle of a huge weekend. Official visit season kicked off on Friday, and the Hokies are hosting several of their top remaining targets for the 2027 recruiting class. Some of Virginia Tech’s current commitments are also in Blacksburg for their official visits.
We were bound for some good news. Right? No longer do we have to wait until the weekend is over to hear good news. On Saturday, tight end Sam Faniel announced his commitment to the Hokies. Faniel is the third tight end to commit to Virginia Tech for 2027, joining Jordan Karhoff (Columbus, Ohio) and Braxton Salster (Jacksonville, Alabama).
The 6-foot-5, 215-pound Faniel plays at the Benedictine School in Richmond and is the No. 10 overall player in Virginia for 2027, according to 247Sports, Rivals, and the 247Sports team composite rankings.
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Why the Hokies?
“I’m very excited about my decision,” Faniel told Greg Biggins of Rivals. “The biggest reasons why I chose the Hokies is the culture that coach Franklin is bringing in and my fit in the offense. I love the culture and what coach Franklin is trying to do, it really stands out for me. Coach (Ty) Howle is a great coach, and his production with tight ends is another huge thing. The love and support I received from the entire coaching staff was great and really showed how much they want me.”
It’s not a surprise that Faniel cites head coach James Franklin and Howle, the offensive coordinator and tight ends coach. Howle has a reputation as arguably the nation’s top tight end coach. The position is one of the deepest on the 2026 roster, thanks to the returns of Benji Gosnell and Ja’Ricous Hairston, and the transfer additions of Luke Reynolds and Matt Henderson.
Another big addition to what is already one of the nation’s top-15 recruiting classes.
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Welcome home, Sam.
