4-star OT Thomas Wilder commits to Virginia Tech

Virginia Beach (Va.) Green Run four-star offensive tackle Thomas Wilder has committed to Virginia Tech, he announced on Thursday.

He chose the in-state Hokies over Maryland and Penn State.

Wilder is the No. 383 overall prospect and No. 31 OT in the 2026 cycle, according to the Rivals Industry Ranking, a weighted average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies. He’s also the No. 11 player in Virginia.

The 6-foot-6, 285-pounder becomes the third Green Run Stallion to join VT’s 2026 class, flanking three-star safety Zaevion Cleveland and three-star EDGE Kamren Johnson. Hokies head coach Brent Pry, new offensive line coach Matt Moore and the staff in Blacksburg prioritized Wilder, got him in for an official visit and have now picked up another crucial in-state pledge.

Wilder is set to help lead Green Run once again this fall. Like Cleveland and Johnson, he’ll do so as a Hokie pledge. The Stallions won 12 games last season and finished as the No. 13 team in the state, per the Rivals Composite Rankings.

The tackle has been on scout’s radars for multiple years. Back in 2023, he drew early praise from Rivals’ Director of Scouting and Rankings Charles Power:

“An easy, natural mover. Works to the second level effortlessly,” Power wrote. “Seeks out linebackers and looks to finish with authority. A bully in the run game. Plays with a nasty streak. Shows advanced pop in his hands. Has good flexibility with the ability to drop his weight and anchor on contact. Will need to continue refining his game and developing physically, but looks to be a top offensive lineman early on in 2026.”

The Virginia Tech class now features eight commits. Wilder is the top-ranked prospect in the class and the third tackle, joining Leland (N.C.) North Brunswick three-star Tyrell Simpson and Woodberry Forest (Va.) three-star Buddy Wegdam.

Coach’s take on Thomas Wilder

Last August, Green Run offensive coordinator Qutrell Payton broke down Wilder’s game in an interview with The Wolverine’s EJ Holland. Wilder has long looked the part in the trenches.

“Early on, you could tell he had the physical gifts. It was all about gaining the confidence to go up against older guys. He got some confidence builders in camp. Going from middle school to guys that have aspirations to play at the next level was a big transition for him. But when it came to the games, he played like a veteran. He plays tackle in high school and has the feet to play it in college. He’s not going to be forced to go inside,” Payton said.

“He’s a natural born leader. He checks that box. But I want to see him come to the sideline and say ‘run it behind me.’ A couple of years ago, I saw Mekhi Becton do that in a big state title game. He ended up being a first round draft pick out of Highland Springs. When he did that in high school, I said ‘that’s what a big-time offensive lineman needs to be.’ Tommy has that in him. But I want to see him do it. He’s of that same cloth.”