After the Virginia Tech football team secured a commitment from a Penn State transfer, quarterback Ethan Grunkemeyer, it was thought that he was going to be the Hokies' QB1 in 2026. However, first-year coach James Franklin wasn't ready to name his starter against VMI post-spring, before fall camp, or during fall camp.
It was a foregone conclusion that Grunkemeyer was going to get the start, but Franklin made it clear that the other three quarterbacks, North Carolina transfer Bryce Baker, returner Kelden Ryan, and true freshman Troy Huhn, were making the decision not an easy one. As expected, on Monday, when Franklin met with the media for his first game-week press conference, he announced that Grunkemeyer was going to be the Hokies' starting quarterback against VMI.
Sources: Virginia Tech has named transfer Ethan Grunkemeyer the starting quarterback, and he’ll debut for the Hokies against VMI. Grunkemeyer is a Penn State transfer who threw for 1,339 yards and eight touchdowns. Won his final four starts of the year at Penn State. pic.twitter.com/mHc3gJlinh
— Pete Thamel (@PeteThamel) August 31, 2026
Ethan Grunkemeyer tabbed Virginia Tech's starting QB against VMI
Franklin announced that Grunkmeyer was going to be the starter against VMI on Saturday night at Lane Stadium, which wasn't a surprise. As for who is going to be the backup, Franklin said that it has been close enough that they won't name the backup until closer to kickoff. It is also a competition that could carry into next week as well.
Baker was the favorite to potentially be QB2, but Ryan and Huhn have been good in fall camp and are pushing the UNC transfer. However, Grunkemeyer getting his feet wet last season at Penn State should serve him well as the starter in Blacksburg.
Last season for Penn State, Grunkemeyer threw for 1,339 yards and eight touchdowns with four interceptions. He faced some very good defenses he faced last season, including a stretch against Iowa, Ohio State, and Indiana. He then faced a final stretch against Michigan State, Nebraska and Rutgers that he won to get the Nittany Lions bowl eligible.
In Penn State's Pinstripe Bowl win over Clemson, Grunkemeyer was 23-for-34 with a pair of touchdowns in a 22-10 win. Playing his first game against VMI at home is a good way to begin his Virginia Tech career, but if the game goes the way most expect it will, then we might see all the signal callers on Saturday night.
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