Virginia Tech tight end recruit Isaiah Pina flipped his commitment to Southern, the high school senior announced on social media Friday.
“New direction. Same hunger. I’m officially flipping my commitment to Southern University. #AGTG #Committed #HBCU,” Pina posted on X, formerly Twitter.
First-year Southern coach Marshall Faulk landed the 6-foot-6, 225-pound Pina, a three-star recruit ranked as the No. 51 tight end in the 2026 class, according to ESPN. Pina originally committed to Virginia Tech on October 22, 2025.
Pina, a Florida native, had other offers from Southern Miss, UNLV, Jackson State and Sacramento State. Ken Merchant, the Jaguars’ new offensive coordinator, was the offensive coordinator at Sacramento State during the 2025 season.
Pina announced on December 2, 2025, that he would not sign with Virginia Tech despite remaining committed to the Hokies at that point. He announced on Instagram that he received a Southern offer on Jan. 19.
Pina attends South Lake High School in Groveland, Florida. His football team finished 11-2 this past season. During his senior season, he had 32 catches for 568 receiving yards and 11 touchdowns.
Southern’s newest high school commit also plays on his school’s basketball team. So far through 15 games, Pina is averaging 19 points, 10.7 rebounds, 1.3 steals and 1.5 blocks per game. As a junior last season, Pina averaged 23.6 ppg, 10.4 rebounds, two blocks and two steals.