Kemari Copeland

Kemari Copeland is an American football defensive tackle for the Virginia Tech Hokies. He previously played for the Army Black Knights and the Iowa Western Reivers.

Early life Copeland attended Floyd E. Kellam High School in Virginia Beach, Virginia. He was rated as a two-star recruit by 247Sports and committed to play college football for the Army Black Knights.

College career Army As a freshman in 2022, Copeland played in seven games, recording one tackle. After the conclusion of the season, he entered the NCAA transfer portal.

Iowa Western Copeland transferred to play for the Iowa Western Reivers. In 2023, he totaled 38 tackles with nine being for a loss, four and a half sacks, a pass deflection, and a fumble recovery in 13 games played. After the conclusion of the season, Copeland once again entered the NCAA transfer portal.

Virginia Tech Copeland transferred to play for the Virginia Tech Hokies. During the 2024 season, he notched six tackles in four games before tearing his tricep. In week 9 of the 2025 season, he recorded seven tackles with three being for a loss, and three sacks in an overtime win over California. Copeland started all 12 games in 2025, recording 48 tackles with seven and a half being for a loss, four and a half sacks, and an interception. For his performance, he earned third-team all-ACC honors. Heading into the 2026 season, Copeland broke the school record with a 510-pound bench press.