It's hard to believe, but it has been four months since Virginia Tech hired James Franklin to replace Brent Pry as football coach. Since that mid-November afternoon when it was announced, Franklin has brought back Pry to be his defensive coordinator, filled out a coaching staff, and put together a new-look roster for the 2026 season and beyond.
The roster had an overhaul, which isn't really surprising given all the changes that happened and players leaving in the portal, players coming in from the portal, and the Class of 2026. One position that has undergone a major overhaul is the quarterback position. Last year's starter, Kyron Drones, has graduated, while Garrett Rangel and Pop Watson both entered the Transfer Portal.
Two true freshmen last season, A.J. Brand and Kelden Ryan, are both back. Coming in are Penn State transfer Ethan Grunkemeyer and North Carolina transfer Bryce Baker. True freshman Troy Huhn flipped from Penn State to Virginia Tech to follow Franklin and quarterback coach Danny O'Brien.
Spring camp opens up on Tuesday, and Franklin listed the quarterback position as one question he would love answered when spring practices end next month.
James Franklin listed the QB position as where he wants an answer by the end of spring practices
It isn't surprising that Franklin wants to have the questions answered under center. It is as young a quarterback room as you will see at a Power 4 conference school.
"The quarterback. That's obviously a very important question that we have to get answered as soon as possible and not just the starter, but who are the top two quarterbacks are going to be, so we can get those guys ready. So, yeah, that's hard for me because there's just so many things that I'm still trying to figure out,'' said Franklin.
It would be hard to envision anyone other than Grunkemyer, barring an injury, starting for the Hokies against VMI in the season opener. He played the second half of the season for Penn State last year when Drew Allar went down with an injury and led the Nittany Lions to a bowl game and a win over Clemson.
The backup spot will be interesting. Is it going to be Baker or Huhn? What about Ryan and Brand? Those questions will be answered over the next month, but Franklin made it clear that there's going to be reps to go around for everyone. It should be interesting to see how things end up playing out.