These Virginia Tech Defenders Could Give NC State Trouble Saturday

A few Virginia Tech defenders are off to strong starts in 2025 and could give the Wolfpack some problems.

Sep 6, 2025; Blacksburg, Virginia, USA; Virginia Tech Hokies defensive lineman Kemari Copeland (13) celebrates a defensive stop during the first quarter at Lane Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Bishop-Imagn Images | Brian Bishop-Imagn Images

RALEIGH — While he was fired by Virginia Tech, coach Brent Pry left behind some talent on the defensive side of the football. The coach served as a defensive coordinator for much of his career before leading the Hokies, so it was an area of focus before his exit.

While the Hokies began the season 1-3 and struggled to stop opposing rushing offenses, the team still has some playmakers. Virginia Tech's next challenge is an NC State offense that has scored over thirty points in three of four games in the 2025 season.

Nonetheless, the Wolfpack will need to watch out for some of Virginia Tech's key defenders, especially on the defensive line.

Key Virginia Tech Defenders

Sep 7, 2024; Blacksburg, Virginia, USA; Marshall Thundering Herd quarterback Stone Earle (11) runs the ball against Virginia Tech Hokies defensive lineman Kemari Copeland (13) during the second quarter at Lane Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Peter Casey-Imagn Images | Peter Casey-Imagn Images

Kemari Copeland

Copeland is one of the Hokies' top options on the defensive line. He looked like a breakout candidate in 2024 before suffering a season-ending injury after just four games. He racked up six tackles before his injury and was developing into a critical member of a growing defensive line.

The redshirt junior returned stronger in 2025. In the midst of Virginia Tech's 1-3 start, Copeland racked up 16 total tackles, one sack, and came away with an interception in the team's lone win over Wofford. Copeland is capable of playing on the interior and exterior of the line and fits the team's downhill defensive approach with his athleticism and aggression.

INT FOR KEMARI COPELAND #ThisIsHome | @hokiesports pic.twitter.com/VTvjxTPLVy

— Virginia Tech Football (@HokiesFB) September 20, 2025

Ben Bell

Since transferring over from Texas State, Bell has made a major impact on the Hokie defense to the point where it's difficult to say how much worse the unit would be without him. He struggled with injuries in San Marcos in 2024, but has returned with a vengeance after taking his talents to Blacksburg.

The fifth-year pass rusher has accumulated 10 quarterback pressures and a pair of sacks for Virginia Tech so far.

Sep 6, 2025; Blacksburg, Virginia, USA; Virginia Tech Hokies safety Isaiah Cash (18) and Virginia Tech Hokies safety Quentin Reddish (0) tackle Vanderbilt Commodores running back Sedrick Alexander (28) during the second quarter at Lane Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Bishop-Imagn Images | Brian Bishop-Imagn Images

Isaiah Cash

Cash has been one of the few standouts in the secondary throughout the early portion of the season. The Sam Houston State transfer came over after a strong 2024 season with the BearKats wanting to prove he could perform at a power conference program.

Through the first four games for Virginia Tech, Cash leads the secondary with 17 tackles out of the safety position. He'll be challenged by NC State's speedy receivers as they try to take the lid off of the Hokie defense.

Want more NC State football content during the 2025 season? Follow on X (Twitter) @WolfpackOnSI and @SennettTucker and never miss another breaking news story again.

Please let us know your thoughts when you like our Facebook page WHEN YOU CLICK RIGHT HERE.