Just like that, the summer is over for college football coaches and players as camp is about to get underway. For Virginia Tech, that means James Franklin's first season in charge in Blacksburg is ready to begin with fall practices.
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There has been some big roster turnover since Franklin was hired through the Transfer Portal and incoming freshmen. Are any incoming freshmen going to make an impact in 2026? That remains to be seen, but with camp here, let's take a shot at predicting the Hokies' depth chart for this fall.
Virginia Tech depth chart projection before fall camp begins
Quarterback:
Starter: Ethan Grunkemeyer
Backup: Bryce Baker
Depth: Kelden Ryan, Troy Huhn
Penn State transfer Ethan Grunkemeyer will be the starter this fall after coming on in relief of Drew Allar last year with the Nittany Lions as Franklin was fired. It wasn't surprising that he followed Franklin and position coach Danny O'Brien to Virginia Tech. The QB room will be young, with North Carolina transfer Bryxe Baker the likely backup.
Running Back:
Starter: Marcellous Hawkins
Backup: Jeffrey Overton, Jr.
Depth: Bill Davis, Tyler Mason
This room has so much promise; if they all can stay healthy all season long, something that they were not able to do in 2025. Transfer Bill Davis will be a key contributor behind Marcellous Hawkins and Jeffrey Overton, Jr. Both players are primed for a big breakout season.
Wide Receiver:
Starters: Ayden Greene, Que'Sean Brown, Chanz Wiggins
Backups: Takye Heath, Tyseer Denmark, Keylen Adams
Depth: Marlion Jackson, Shamarius Peterkin
This group for the Hokies quarterbacks is one that has some real playmakers in it. Ayden Greene is back and due for a big season, and Que'Sean Brown, a Duke transfer, is a playmaker. Look for Chanz Wiggins to step up and get more playing time, and we're predicting a big fall camp from him.
Tight End:
Starters: Luke Reynolds
Backups: Benji Gosnell, Ja'Ricous Hairston
The tight end position is going to be a position that is used and used a lot under new offensive coordinator Ty Howle. Penn State transfer Luke Reynolds is already drawing some NFL Draft interest, but don't overlook returners Benji Gosnell and Ja'Ricous Hairston.
Offensive Line:
LT:
Starter: Logan Howland
Backup:Â Justin Terry
LG:
Starter: Layth Ghannam
Backup: Gavin Crawford/Ben Eziuka
C:
Starter: Kyle Altuner
Backup: Tommy Ricard
RG:
Starter: Montavious Cunningham
Backup: Brody Meadows
RT:
Starter: Aiden Lynch
Backup: Johnny Garrett
The offensive line is due for a big season now that Matt Moore has had two years to put his stamp on it again this offseason. There is a mixture of returners, some young players, and portal additions. Keeping Grunkemeyer healthy this fall is going to be key. Montavious Cunningham and Aiden Lynch are primed for big seasons.
Defensive Line:
Edge:
Starter: Jason Abbey or Javion Hilson
Backup: Jason Abbey or Javion Hilson, Samuel Okunlola
DT:
Starter: Kemari Copeland, Elhadj Fall
Backup: Emmett Laws, TRon Richardson, Malachi Williams
NT:
Starter: Aycen Stevens
Backup: Andrew Hanchuk
Can new defensive line coach Sean Spencer turn things around with the Hokies' D-Line? It helps to have Kemari Copeland back as an anchor, and this is the time for some younger players to step up and take on a bigger role.
Linebacker:
Wolf:
Starter: Kaleb Spencer
Backup: Curtis Jones, Jr. or Gabe Williams
Mike:
Starter: Noah Chambers
Backup: Keon Wylie
Sting:
Starter: Keon Wylie or Curtis Jones, Jr.
Backup: Keon Wylie or Curtis Jones, Jr.
Losing Caleb Woodson to the Transfer Portal was not great, and this unit is going to need to come together quickly in camp and be ready for the opener. You will notice that multiple players can move around to the different positions.
Defensive Back:
CB:
Starters: Jaquez White
Backups: Thomas Williams, Jojo Crim
Safety:
Starters: Quentin Reddish, Tyson Flowers
Backups: Sheldon Robinson, Jordan Bass
Husky:
Starter: Cam Chadwick
Backup: Knahlij Harrell, Joshua Clarke
The Hokies' secondary avoided disaster in the spring game when Troy transfer Jaquez White avoided a major injury. He is expected to be a big part of the unit. UConn transfer Cam Chadwick is a nice addition as well. This is a unit to keep an eye on as camp unfolds.
Special Teams:
Kicker:
Starter: John Love
Backup: Will Love
Punter:
Starter: Nathan Totten
Backup: Cole Byrd
Kick/Punt Returner:
Starter: Que'Sean Brown or Thomas Williams
Backup: Tyseer Denamrk, Tyler Mason
Not much to say here except the Hokies bring back John Love for one final season. Something tells me his leg will be the difference at least this fall in the outcome of a game.
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