Virginia Tech’s men’s basketball program has added a key piece to its roster for the 2025–26 season with the addition of transfer guard Jailen Bedford. Head coach Mike Young continues to build a competitive lineup through the transfer portal, and Bedford’s commitment adds valuable depth and experience to the Hokies’ backcourt.
Bedford, a 6-foot-4 guard hailing from Hutto, Texas, brings a strong track record of performance at multiple levels of college basketball. He began his collegiate career at Trinidad State Junior College in Colorado, where he made an immediate impact. Over two seasons at the JUCO level, Bedford averaged an impressive 16.6 points per game while shooting 46% from the floor, demonstrating his scoring ability and efficiency.
Looking to elevate his game, Bedford transferred to Oral Roberts in 2023, where he took on a starting role. He started all 31 games that season, showcasing his versatility and reliability. At Oral Roberts, he posted strong numbers, averaging 14.6 points and 6.4 rebounds per game, ranking second on the team in scoring. His performance in Division I basketball earned him recognition and opened the door for his next opportunity.
In 2024, Bedford transferred again, this time to UNLV. With the Runnin’ Rebels, Bedford started eight of 33 games and played a vital role as a spark off the bench. He averaged 10.2 points and 4.3 rebounds per game during the season, with his contributions increasing steadily as the year progressed. His development and ability to adapt to different roles made him an attractive option for the Hokies.
Virginia Tech head coach Mike Young expressed his excitement about bringing Bedford to Blacksburg. “We’re thrilled to have Jailen join the Hokies,” Young said. “His journey to this point has shaped him into a resilient and dynamic player. Jailen really came on strong toward the end of the season for UNLV. We believe his skill set and leadership will be invaluable to us this upcoming season.”
Bedford becomes the third player to transfer into the Hokies’ program this offseason, joining forward Amani Hansberry from West Virginia and guard Izaiah Pasha from Delaware. Bedford’s experience and scoring ability make him a strong candidate to either start in the backcourt alongside Pasha or take on a sixth-man role, where he could provide a scoring boost off the bench. His versatility gives the coaching staff flexibility as they finalize the rotation for next season.
Coach Young still has a few open roster spots, so additional moves could be on the horizon. However, Bedford’s commitment gives Virginia Tech another proven contributor and adds to the depth and balance of a squad looking to return to NCAA Tournament contention.
With his combination of scoring, rebounding, and toughness developed through a unique path across three levels of college basketball, Jailen Bedford arrives in Blacksburg ready to make an impact. Hokies fans can look forward to seeing his contributions in what promises to be an exciting upcoming season. Welcome to Virginia Tech, Jailen.
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