James Franklin's first fall camp at Virginia Tech is about to wrap up, and all eyes will turn toward the 2026 season. The Hokies will begin the season on Sept. 5 at Lane Stadium under the lights against VMI. After that, things are going to get tougher and tougher as the fall goes along.
It has been an interesting camp, to say the least, and now all the offseason work will be tested on the field, beginning against VMI. With that said, let's dive into the final Virginia Tech projected two-deep depth chart for the 2026 season as camp comes to a close.
Quarterbacks
Starter: Ethan Grunkemeyer
Backup: Bryce Baker
At the time this article is being written, Franklin has yet to officially name a starter, but the writing has been on the wall, and it has been for a while. Grunkemeyer is going to get the nod, and Virginia Tech fans hope he can build off his 2025 season at Penn State. Baker will be the projected backup, but Franklin has made it clear in camp that he also likes Kelden Ryan and true freshman Troy Huhn.
Running Backs
Starter: Marcellous Hawkins
Backup: Jeffrey Overton, Jr.
This is another no-brainer, but the depth here might be deeper than some originally thought. An injury to Louisiana transfer Bill Davis has opened the door for Tyler Mason and true freshman Messiah Mickens. Again, Franklin made it clear this week that they easily go three or four deep at the position, and if an injury occurs, they should be OK. However, if this group stays healthy, it could be a dangerous one.
Wide Receivers
Starters: Que'Sean Brown, Ayden Greene, Marlion Jackson
Backups: Davion Brown, Snook Peterkin, Tyseer Denmark
Things could get interesting here as the season goes along. True freshman Davion "Fat Rat" Brown is making the case to play some meaningful snaps, and Tyseer Denmark could be an underrated addition through the Transfer Portal. Duke Que'Sean Brown and returning Ayden Greene are the clear 1-2 options for Grunkemeyer, but after that, it wouldn't be surprising to see any of the other four names get some key snaps.
Tight Ends
Starter: Luke Reynolds
Backup: Benji Gosnell
This is another position where the clear 1-2 at the top is a no-brainer. Penn State transfer Luke Reynolds is primed for a big season, while returner Benji Gosnell is entering his final season in Blacksburg. There is depth behind Rendolds and Gosnell, who went out on a limb and called it one of the top tight end rooms in the country. Expect a big season as a whole from this position.
Offensive Line
Starters: Logan Howland (LT), Layth Ghannam (LG), Kyle Altuner (C), Brody Meadows (RG), Montavious Cunningham (RT)
Backups: Justin Terry (LT), Michael Troutman (LG), Tommy Ricard (C), Lucas Auston (RG), Aiden Lynch (RT)
If there is one group that needs to have a big season and stay as healthy as possible, it is in the trenches along the offensive line. Johnny Garrett is already lost with an injury, and there were already questions going into camp about just how deep this group is. There is a nice mixture of veterans and youth, but it all starts with Kyle Altuner at center.
Defensive Line
Starters: Aycen Stevens (DE), Kemari Copeland (DT), Elijah Fall (DT), Mylachi Williams (DE)
Backups: Javion Hilson (DE), Eric Mensah (DT), Randy Adirika (DT), Jason Abbey (DE)
Most of this group has no surprises, but there are a couple of names that are worth keeping an eye on. Colorado transfer Samuel Okunlola and Missouri transfer Javion Hilson. There are questions about the depth, and everyone should get a good look against VMI, but when push comes to shove in ACC play, things could get interesting. This is another unit that can't afford many injuries this season.
Linebackers
Starters: Kaleb Spencer, Noah Chambers, Keon Wylie
Backups: Sherrod Covil Jr., George Ballance, Curtis Jones Jr.
This is a solid starting unit for new defensive coordinator Brent Pry; however, an injury to Gabe Williams will test the depth of the whole unit should another injury occur. Kaleb Spencer is due for a big-time season, and Keon Wylie has the potential to be a huge portal pickup.
Secondary
Starters: Jaquez White (CB), Cam Chadwick (CB), Isaiah Brown-Murray (Nickel), Tyson Flowers (S), Quentin Reddish (S)
Backups: Thomas Williams (CB), Joshua Clarke (CB), Kenny Woseley (Nickel), Sheldon Robinson (S), Jordan Bass (S)
Troy transfer Jaquez White might be the biggest portal addition on the defensive side of the ball, and UConn transfer Cam Chadwick might be right behind him in the secondary. This group has the potential to be the deepest of the units when all is said and done.
Add us as a preferred source on Google