When Virginia Tech picked up a commitment from quarterback Pop Watson, it was a pretty good pickup for Brent Pry. The Massachusetts Gatorade Player of the Year was a star at Springfield Central High School for a team that dominated Division 1.
With the Hokies, Watson was deep on the depth chart, but with injuries mounting during the 2024 season, he worked his way up and into action late in the season. Following the 2024 regular season and before the Duke's Mayo Bowl against Minnesota, it was announced that he was returning with Kyron Drones. After a couple of years in Blacksburg, he hit the Transfer Portal following the coaching change and the hiring of James Franklin.
It is a move that is going to be perfect for Watson. He transferred to UMass in the portal and will be a very good player for the Minutemen. On Saturday, they held their annual spring game in Amherst, and after, Watson spoke to the small gathering and had a message for the faithful.
Former Virginia Tech QB Pop Watson has a message for UMass fans at the end of their spring game
After the spring game, Watson took the microphone and had a message for the UMass fans who have stuck with the program through some very lean years.
Pop Watson with an important message for fans here at today’s spring game
— The Real RBarry (@TheRealRBarry) April 25, 2026
“We gon fuck the MAC”
Put that on a t-shirt….. pic.twitter.com/HUMGkoWa6W
If you're not familiar with the history of UMass football, nobody would blame you, but they went winless this past season at 0-12 overall and 0-8 in their first season in the MAC. They spent the last decade as an Independent before returning to the MAC. It's clear that Watson brushed up on his UMass football history, and he should be a very good fit for the program, playing close to home.
Virginia Tech fans should circle their MAC November schedules and tune in to watch Watson. It might be another lean year in Amherst, but Watson will make it an entertaining one for sure. He will always have the 2024 win over Virginia in the Commonwealth Cup to look back on.
