Hokies Make a Major Move: Xavier Transfer Ben Weber Officially Joins Virginia Tech Pitching Staff
In a significant addition to their baseball roster, the Virginia Tech Hokies have landed one of the more intriguing transfer arms of the offseason. Right-handed pitcher Ben Weber, a former standout at Xavier University, has officially joined the Hokies’ rotation, giving the ACC program a much-needed boost on the mound. The announcement, made earlier today, has sent a surge of excitement through Hokie Nation as head coach John Szefc continues to bolster his team for a deep postseason push in 2026.
Weber, a 6-foot-4 junior with two years of collegiate experience under his belt, brings immediate talent, poise, and versatility to Virginia Tech’s pitching corps. With a fastball that consistently touches the mid-90s and a developing secondary mix that kept Big East hitters off balance, Weber arrives in Blacksburg with the potential to step into a front-line role almost immediately.
Weber’s transfer decision comes after a strong sophomore campaign with the Xavier Musketeers, where he logged 72 innings with a 3.48 ERA, striking out 89 batters while walking just 22. His performance drew attention across multiple Power Five programs, but Virginia Tech ultimately won out due to their developing reputation for pitcher development and their welcoming culture.
Virginia Tech pitching coach Ryan Fecteau, who was instrumental in recruiting Weber, highlighted the righty’s potential impact on day one.
Ben has the tools to be a difference-maker in our rotation. His velocity, command, and composure are things you don’t see every day. But beyond the numbers, he’s a competitor and a great teammate,” Fecteau noted.
The Hokies are coming off a 33–25 season that saw them fall short of the NCAA tournament. One of the team’s clear weaknesses last year was depth in starting pitching—something Szefc and his staff were determined to address through both recruiting and the portal. With the graduation of veteran arms and the departure of one starter to the MLB Draft, the addition of Weber helps stabilize the weekend rotation heading into 2026.
Weber is expected to compete for a Friday or Saturday role, joining returners like Carson DeMartini and Chase Hungate, both of whom showed flashes of brilliance last season. While Szefc hasn’t officially slotted Weber into the rotation order, insiders suggest the staff sees him as a key puzzle piece around which the rest of the pitching staff will be built.
Moreover, Weber’s durability stands out. He averaged nearly six innings per start in 2025 with Xavier and rarely gave up big innings. His command of the strike zone and ability to pitch deep into games could prove invaluable in a conference as deep and competitive as the ACC.
Weber’s arrival has been met with enthusiasm across Hokie social media circles. Fans and analysts alike see the move as a statement of intent from Virginia Tech—one that signals their ambitions to become perennial contenders in the conference and beyond.
Former players also chimed in, including former Tech ace Anthony Simonelli, who tweeted, “Big-time pickup. Weber’s legit. Can’t wait to see him dealing in maroon and orange.”
Virginia Tech’s recruiting over the past few years has focused on building from within while also selectively targeting transfer portal upgrades. The program’s recent portal additions, including impact players like Nick Good and Tyler Dean, have set a precedent for successful integration. The staff believes Weber will continue that trend.
With summer training underway and fall ball just a few months away, Weber will have ample time to acclimate to the program, build chemistry with catchers, and fine-tune his arsenal under Fecteau’s guidance. The Hokies also have an exciting freshman class arriving, but it’s the blend of veteran leadership and elite transfers like Weber that may elevate the team into a new tier.
Szefc, entering his ninth season at the helm, has never shied away from bold moves in roster construction. Bringing in Weber is yet another indication of his aggressive approach to building a championship-caliber squad.
Landing Ben Weber is more than just a transfer portal win—it’s a defining offseason moment that could reshape the Hokies’ trajectory for 2026. With a hungry, experienced, and talented pitcher ready to compete in one of the toughest conferences in college baseball, Virginia Tech just became a lot more dangerous.
