Hokie ClubBLACKSBURG – Virginia Tech linebacker Will Johnson will wear No. 25 when the Hokies face the Golden Gophers in the Duke’s Mayo Bowl. The contest will be the first time the Leonardtown, Maryland native will don the jersey this season and the second time in his career. Tech will kickoff against Maryland at Bank of America Stadium on Friday, Jan. 3 at 7:30 p.m. ET with coverage on ESPN.
Standing at 6-foot-2, 229 pounds, Johnson first saw game action in 2023. Over thirteen games as a redshirt sophomore, the linebacker would tally nine tackles, his best performance being the home opener against Old Dominion (1 tackle, 3 assists). Through four games this season, Johnson continues to make a defensive impact, posting tackles against Clemson and Duke as the regular season came to a close.
When Johnson dons the jersey during the Duke’s Mayo Bowl, his name will be etched into Virginia Tech football program history. The redshirt junior will become just the second linebacker to wear No. 25 in the postseason, joining former Hokie linebacker Andrew Motuapuaka on the list (2017 - Camping World Bowl).
The weekly tradition of wearing No. 25 started in 2016 and has continued each season. Each week, a member of the special teams wears the number to recognize how influential Frank Beamer was to Tech football both as a player and a coach. The jersey number was retired in 2002. Fans can find more information on who has worn the jersey here.