BREAKING: 5-Star WR Shocks the Nation, Commits to Virginia Tech Over Gators, Texas, and Tennessee
In a stunning turn of events that has rocked the college football world, 5-star wide receiver Jaylen “Jet” Thompson, the No. 3 overall player in the 2025 class, has announced his commitment to Virginia Tech. The announcement came during a nationally televised segment on ESPN, where Thompson unzipped a black hoodie to reveal a maroon and orange Hokies jersey — leaving fans, analysts, and rival programs in disbelief.
Thompson, a 6-foot-2, 195-pound speedster from Dallas, Texas, had long been projected to choose between Florida, Texas, and Tennessee. Each of those programs had invested heavily in his recruitment, with Texas hosting him for three separate visits, and Florida head coach Billy Napier even flying out for a surprise in-home meeting just last week. Tennessee, believed to be a late favorite, made a strong NIL push and had Thompson on campus for its spring game in April.
Yet, despite the recruiting juggernauts vying for his signature, it was Brent Pry’s Hokies who pulled off the unthinkable.
“I’ve been watching what Coach Pry is building down in Blacksburg, and I want to be part of it,” Thompson said, moments after putting on a Virginia Tech cap. “Everyone talks about the big-name schools, but sometimes it’s not about flash — it’s about fit. Virginia Tech felt like home.”
Thompson cited a strong relationship with wide receivers coach Fontel Mines and a desire to blaze his own trail as key factors in his decision. “I want to bring greatness back to the 540,” he said, referencing the Hokies’ area code. “I want to be the spark that gets Lane Stadium rocking again.”
The commitment immediately sent shockwaves through the recruiting landscape. Recruiting expert Brian Denson of Rivals called it “one of the biggest surprises in recent memory.”
“Jaylen Thompson is a program-changer — the kind of wideout who can take the top off a defense or break five tackles on a screen pass,” Denson said. “Virginia Tech just landed a cornerstone talent that could elevate the entire ACC.”
Thompson, who ran a verified 4.38 40-yard dash and recorded 1,623 receiving yards and 19 touchdowns as a junior, is expected to be an instant-impact player. His blend of route precision, elite acceleration, and high-point catching ability has drawn comparisons to NFL stars like Garrett Wilson and Stefon Diggs.
The commitment also marks a seismic moment for Virginia Tech recruiting. It is their first 5-star commitment since the 2008 class and sends a clear signal that the Hokies are ready to compete on a national stage once again.
With Thompson now in the fold, fans in Blacksburg can dream a little bigger — and perhaps sooner than expected.
“I’m not just committing,” Thompson said with a smile. “I’m coming to win.”
And with that, the college football world has a new storyline: the rise of the Hokies, powered by Jet.
