Virginia Tech CB Dante Lovett plans to enter NCAA Transfer Portal

Virginia Tech cornerback Dante Lovett plans to enter the NCAA Transfer Portal, per On3’s Pete Nakos. On Sunday, Virginia Tech announced its plans to fire head coach Brent Pry after the Hokies began the season with a 0-3 start.

Lovett is in his third season at Virginia Tech. He appeared in all 13 of Virginia Tech’s games last season and made two starts. He finished the year with a 20 tackles, four pass breakups and an interception. Lovett didn’t start in any of the Hokies’ three games thus far this season.

Dante Lovett played high school football at DeMatha Catholic (MD), where he was a three-star prospect. He was the No. 902 overall player and No. 89 cornerback in the 2023 recruiting cycle, according to the Rivals Industry Rankings.

Lovett’s decision is undoubtedly related to Virginia Tech’s decision to fire Pry. Having only played three games this season, Lovett could preserve a season of eligibility if he doesn’t take the field again in the 2025 campaign.

“We appreciate Coach Pry’s efforts and service since 2021. Unfortunately, the results on the field were not acceptable and a change in leadership is necessary,” Virginia Tech president Tim Sands wrote in a statement Sunday. “Philip Montgomery will serve as interim head coach. We will continue to fully support our team and student-athletes for the remaining games as we strive together to significantly improve the trajectory of our football program this season.

“… Board of Visitors members J. Pearson and Ryan McCarthy have been charged by the rector, John Rocovich, to work with university leadership and AD Whit Babcock to develop a financial, organizational and leadership plan that will rapidly position the Virginia Tech football program to be competitive with the best in the ACC. That plan will be presented to the Board of Visitors later this month. The new framework for college sports will be fully established for next season, so this is the time to make a major move.”

Pry had been Virginia Tech’s head coach since 2022. Before being fired, he amassed a 16-24 overall record and a 10-13 mark in conference play. His best season at the helm of the Hokies was in 2023, when he led the program to a 7-6 mark.

Lovett likely won’t be the last Virginia Tech player to enter the transfer portal during the season. When a head coach is fired, the players on that team have 30 days to enter the transfer portal. Virginia Tech’s first game without Pry will be on Saturday against Wofford.