The Transfer Portal is open, and like all coaches, new Virginia Tech football coach James Franklin isn't beating around the bush in trying to acquire talent for 2026 and beyond. Several Hokies off the 2025 roster have hit the portal, and Franklin is going to have several needs.
Franklin has brought in a talented Class of 2026, and some players are going to make an impact next fall. There has also been some key retention for Franklin with the running back and wide receiver rooms. As things begin to heat up with the portal, here are five targets emerging for Virginia Tech.
Beau Pribula: Quarterback
This one is clear. Missouri quarterback Bean Pribula has a connection with Franklin and QB coach Danny O'Brien. He was at Penn State before going to Missouri, and he had a big breakout season for the Tigers.
The 6-foot-2, 212-pound signal caller from York, Pa., threw for 1,941 yards, 11 touchdowns, and nine interceptions. In two seasons with the Nittany Lions, he threw for 442 yards, nine touchdowns, and an interception in limited action. This would be a good addition to slide into the starting position for 2026. Accoridng to Matt Zenitz of CBS Sports, Georgia Tech and Stanford are also in the mix.
Luke Reynolds: Tight End
Penn State tight end Luke Reynolds entered the portal with a do-not-contact tag, which certainly opened some eyes. It is also raising speculation that he's likely to land at Virginia Tech with Franklin. The positive signs are certainly there.
The 6-foot-4 target from Westford, Mass., has two years of eligibility remaining. He had 26 catches in 2025 for 257 yards. In two seasons in State College, he had 35 catches and 368 yards and a touchdown. He would be a massive get for Franklin in the portal and was a five-star out of high school and the 29th-ranked prospect according to 247Sports in the Class of 2024.
Ethan Grunkemeyer: Quarterback
The need for a second quarterback is rather big for Franklin this portal cycle. Kyron Drones is out of eligibility, while Pop Watson and Garrett Rangel have each entered the portal. He does have true freshman Troy Huhn coming in, while Kelden Ryan and A.J. Brand, both freshmen this past season, are still on the roster.
Gurnkemeyer took over for Penn State when Drew Allar suffered a season-ending injury and led them to a bowl game with three wins to close out the regular season. He then led them to a bowl win over Clemson. He threw for 1,339 yards and eight touchdowns for the Nittany Lions to get them bowl eligible. The 6-foot-2, 212-pound Grunkemeyer threw for 260 yards and two touchdowns in a Pinstripe Bowl win over Clemson.
It's hard to envision both Pribula and Grunkemeyer landing in Blacksburg, but we have to think at least one does, no?
Solomon Williams: Edge
Texas A&M transfer Solomon Williams is on Virginia Tech's radar after Franklin hired Aggies defensive line coach Sean Spencer following their elimination from the College Football Playoff at the hands of Miami.
The 6-foot-1, 250-pound, Miami, Florida native had 11 tackles in two years with the Aggies. Coming out of high school, Williams was highly recruited, and the Hokies need an edge. Spencer is highly thought of, and clearly, Williams has a connection with him. He could be the next great edge rusher in Blacksburg.
Matt Henderson: Tight End
Virginia Tech needs multiple tight ends this cycle, and another former Nittany Lions target has emerged with Matt Henderson. The Powhatan, Virginia, native hauled in 48 catches for 724 yards and eight touchdowns. He was the 22nd-ranked tight end and 12th-ranked prospect coming out of high school by 247Sports. Again, there is a need for tight ends with the new offense the Hokies will run under Franklin.