The Chesapeake, Va. native had one year of eligibility left because he was red-shirted during his freshman in 2004-2005 with a knee injury. He would have been a senior next fall.

"During recent meetings with Branden Ore, we have decided that it would be best for Branden to pursue other opportunities," Beamer said in a statement on the school's Web site. "Branden has had many great moments here at Virginia Tech, and we wish him well in the future."

Last season, Ore was the Hokies' leading rusher with 992 yards.

He scored 10 touchdowns, nine rushing, and in the 24-21 loss to Kansas at the Orange Bowl on Jan 3, he scored once after rushing for 116 yards on 23 attempts.

In the 2005-06 season, he compiled 1,137 yards with 16 touchdowns on the way to first-team All-Atlantic Coast Conference honors.