Kyron Drones ranking among ACC quarterbacks is exactly where you thought it would be

There was not a lot of retention by Virginia Tech football coach Brent Pry as compared to the 2024 season. There were, however, some players who the fourth-year coach has returning, including both quarterbacks, Kyron Drones and Pop Watson. Factor in Oklahoma State transfer Garrett Rangel, and things could be interesting in camp this summer.

Andy Staples of On3 released his Top 10 ACC quarterbacks for the 2025 season, and it was a rather head-scratching one if we're being honest. He had some signal callers ranked lower than they should be and some much higher than they should be. When it comes to Drones, he had him right where you would expect him to have him.

Andy Staples placed Virginia Tech QB ninth on ACC QB rankings ahead of 2025 campaign

If this were 12 months ago, Drones without a doubt is knocking on the door of a Top 5 ranking, but after a 2024 season that was tough from the start and cut short by injuries, Drones begins the season ranked ninth on Staples' rankings. Truth be told, that seems about right.

Former offensive coordinator Tyler Bowen left to take the offensive line position at Ohio State, and Pry hired Philip Montgomery as his replacement. Montgomery is a veteran offensive coordinator and head coach who could unlock Virginia Tech's top QB's skill set. Pry would benefit from that with the pressure his is facing in 2025.

As for the rest of the rankings, there are certainly some decisions by Staples. Georgia Tech's Haynes King came in at No. 5, and he should without a doubt be higher. Georgia transfer Carson Beck came in at No. 3 for Miami, and Duke's Darian Menash at No. 2 was certainly eye-opening.

When all is said and done, we will look back at Staples' list in December, and it'll be right or a huge swing and a miss. However, Drones at No. 9 seems fitting, but he can certainly move up the ranks this year with a bounce-back season.