North Carolina Central football coach Trei Oliver has accused a Virginia Tech assistant coach of attempting to recruit one of his star players from the sideline during a game, prompting the university to initiate an investigation. Oliver reported that the assistant coach was trying to convince a running back to enter the transfer portal, a move that could have violated NCAA rules. The NCCU coach noted that the player eventually transferred to Virginia Tech. Virginia Tech has stated it was unaware of the issue until the allegations were raised, and it is now reviewing the matter internally. The university emphasized its commitment to NCAA rules and the integrity of its program. This incident has raised questions about the rigor of compliance in college football recruiting practices.
According to reports, Oliver first became aware of the situation during last season when he noticed the Virginia Tech assistant coach attempting to recruit one of his players during a game. He described the incident as bold and surprising, indicating that he was not aware of any prior intentions from the assistant coach. The running back in question, J'Mari Taylor, is now listed on UVA’s roster, suggesting that the recruitment was successful. However, the unauthorized nature of the recruitment has sparked a debate about the ethical standards in college football recruiting.
Virginia Tech released a statement confirming it was not previously aware of the issue and is committed to upholding NCAA rules. The university reiterated that it is handling the matter internally and will address any findings appropriately. Oliver, who will be a Cavalier fan on November 29, expressed support for his former player and predicted a strong performance for UVA. This incident has not only affected the individual athletes involved but also has broader implications for the integrity and ethics of college sports recruitment.