Salem High School graduates Jayden and Jorden McDonald, twin brothers who have spent the last four seasons on the Virginia Tech football program, are entering the transfer portal during the spring window.
The McDonalds announced they entered the portal on social media Thursday afternoon.
Virginia Tech twin brothers Jayden McDonald (left) and Jorden McDonald pose for a photo during a Senior Day recognition ceremony prior to the start of the Hokies’ 2024 regular-season finale against Virginia.
Jayden McDonald, a 6-foot-4, 232-pound linebacker, posted that he has two seasons of eligibility remaining. He played in only two games in 2024 while dealing with undisclosed injuries after having a breakout 2023 season when he started five games and emerged as the Hokies’ top option at Will linebacker.
After much prayer and discussion with my family, I’ve decided it will be best for me at this time to enter into the NCAA transfer portal with two years of eligibility remaining. Thank you to my teammates and my coaches for everything. Blacksburg will always be home, Go Hokies💯
— Jayden McDonald (@jaydonald_)
He had 30 tackles (11 solo) and one tackle for a loss in 2023. He finished his four seasons at Tech with 50 tackles (17 solo), four tackles for a loss and one sack.
He also started three games in 2022.
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Jorden McDonald, a 6-foot-4, 248-pound defensive end, has one season of eligibility remaining. He primarily played on special teams over the last two seasons, and he played 63 snaps at defensive end in 2024. He finished with 11 tackles (two solo), 2.5 tackles for a loss and 1.5 sacks over 32 games.
After much prayer and discussion with my family, I’ve decided it will be best for me at this time to enter into the NCAA transfer portal with one years of eligibility remaining. Thank you to my teammates and my coaches for everything. Blacksburg will always be home, Go Hokies🦃‼️
— Jorden McDonald (@jordensvibe)
His breakout performance came in 2023 when he had four tackles, two tackles for a loss and a sack in a home win over Wake Forest.
Both McDonalds were down the depth chart at their respective positions. Jayden McDonald worked with the third-string linebacker rotation, and Jorden McDonald was the fourth defensive end utilized in last weekend’s spring game.
Former Virginia Tech offensive lineman Hunter McLain, who transferred to James Madison before last season, announced on social media Wednesday that he is back in the transfer portal.
McLain, a Lord Botetourt High School graduate, has two years of eligibility remaining. He did not play in his lone season with the Dukes.
