Virginia Tech football: Aycen Stevens poised for big season

Blacksburg, Virginia - September 6, 2025 - Virginia Tech head coach James Franklin has been impressed by the progress of defensive lineman Aycen Stevens, also known as "Tank," during the offseason. Franklin, who has known Stevens and his family for years, recruited Tommy Stevens, Aycen's older brother, as a high school quarterback from Indiana in 2015 and coached him for four years.

The younger Stevens, standing at 6 feet 5 inches and weighing 264 pounds, had a significant offseason and summer improvement, according to Franklin.

Franklin praised Stevens' athleticism, stating that he is fast, strong, and has expanded his pass-rushing repertoire. He likened a defensive end's role to a pitcher's, explaining that pass rushers need a strong primary move and a counters to secondary moves. Franklin believes Stevens will be a valuable asset for Virginia Tech's defense, particularly in stopping the run and pressuring opposing quarterbacks.

Stevens, who redshirted as a freshman in 2023, has appeared in 25 games over the past two seasons as a reserve. Now, with his development, he is poised to make a big impact in the upcoming season. He is listed as one of Virginia Tech's starting defensive ends, opposite Javion Hilson.