Bassett and Miller Commit to Virginia Tech

Saturday afternoon could prove to be a pivotal moment for the Virginia Tech wrestling team. The Hokie staff received verbal commitments from two of the top prospects in the nation. The top junior in the nation, Melvin Miller, and his older brother Bo Bassett, the number two overall senior, both committed to wrestle at Virginia Tech.

Bassett originally committed to Iowa, but reopened his recruiting over the summer. Since then, he visited Nebraska multiple times and Virginia Tech. He and Miller spent last week in Blacksburg.

Miller is a two-time Pennsylvania AA state champion, with his most recent title coming at 160 lbs. This summer, Miller captured a Junior freestyle national championship in Fargo, marking his second title in that age group. He also won a 16U title in 2023. Miller also has won the Powerade and earned a belt at the Super 32 before he even wrestled a high school match. Last year, Miller earned a spot on the U17 world team and came up a match shy of earning a medal in the 71 kg weight class.

Bassett has won PA AA state titles in both years he was eligible to compete at the tournament. Over the summer, Bassett also took home a stop sign after a Junior freestyle title in Fargo. Heading into his senior season, Bassett is aiming to earn his fourth title at the Super 32, the Ironman, and the Powerade.

Both are slated to compete next weekend at FloWrestling’s Who’s #1 event. Miller will take on Maximus Dhabolt at the 165 lbs weight class. Bassett will square off with Jordyn Raney at 150 lbs. Raney was previously ranked #1 at 144 lbs.

Bassett could step in for 2024 NCAA champion, Caleb Henson, next year at 149 lbs. Henson will use his final year of eligibility in 2025-26. While there are plenty of quality young wrestlers for the Hokies at that weight, Bassett might be able to unseat them. Miller might end up at 174 lbs by the time he hits Blacksburg.

Miller is the first recruit from the Class of 2027 to commit to Tony Robie’s team. Bassett joins #17 Revin Dickman (IN), #37 Jonathan Rocha (CA), and #38 Alex Rozas (LA) in the Hokies Class of 2026.

Once Miller signs with the Hokies, he’ll be only the second ever #1 recruit to ink with Virginia Tech. Cody Gardner did so back in 2007.

We’ll have to see if these two commitments lead to more in the near future for Virginia Tech.