Virginia Tech is currently looking into a tampering allegation raised by North Carolina Central’s head coach, Trei Oliver. Following an incident reported on Friday, coach Oliver accused the Hokies of attempting to recruit one of his active players without following appropriate protocols.

According to Oliver, a Virginia Tech assistant coach was seen on the sideline during one of NC Central’s games last season, allegedly to lure running back J’Mari Taylor into transferring to their program. In 2024, Taylor had an outstanding performance with the Eagles, amassing 1,146 rushing yards, making him the first 1,000-yard rusher for the program since 2005, and scoring at least one touchdown in each game.

In response to the matter, Virginia Tech issued a statement saying, “This is the first time the issue has been brought to our attention, and no concern has previously been shared with us through any formal channel. Virginia Tech takes all NCAA rules seriously and is committed to conducting our program with integrity. We are reviewing the matter internally and will address any findings appropriately.”

Oliver noted that he had spotted a Virginia Tech representative on his sideline before a game against Howard and perceived the visit as insincere. He expressed his disbelief at the audacity, emphasizing, “That’s pretty bold.”

Although Taylor entered the transfer portal after the season, he opted to join Virginia, the biggest rival of Virginia Tech, rather than the Hokies. Coach Oliver remarked with satisfaction about this decision, claiming, “Thank God he went to UVA, and UVA is going to beat the smoke out of them other folks.”

This incident highlights ongoing frustrations around tampering in college football, especially during the transfer portal era. Recently, the University of Wisconsin filed a lawsuit against the University of Miami over similar allegations involving former player Xavier Lucas, which could have significant repercussions for future transfer portal agreements.