There is a new Transfer Portal window for college football, and it begins on Friday (Jan. 2). It's the only window after some changes, as gone is the spring window following spring practices.
As far as new Virginia Tech coach James Franklin goes, there are a lot of needs he's going to have to build his roster for the 2026 season and beyond. One position that needs a couple of additions is quarterback. Gone is Kyron Drones, and Garret Rangel and Pop Watson have entered the Transfer Portal. Currently, the only two signal callers on the roster are true freshmen A.J. Brand and Kelden Ryan.
There have already been several QBs that have announced their entry into the portal, and a very intriguing one for Frankin, offensive coordinator Ty Howle, and quarterbacks coach Danny O'Brien has emerged. Howle and O'Brien are joining Franklin from Penn State and, without a doubt, will kick the tires on a Nittany Lions QB entering the portal.
Ideal Virginia Tech portal QB is becoming available
Former Iowa State coach Matt Campbell is replacing Franklin at Penn State, and he is not retaining freshman quarterback Ethan Grunkemeyer, who took over this season and played in seven games after replacing Drew Allar, who suffered a season-ending injury. According to Pete Thamel of ESPN, Grunkemeyer is entering the portal. You would have to think that Virginia Tech will have some big interest in him.
In seven games this season, Grunkemeyer threw for 1,339 yards, eight touchdowns and and four interceptions. He led the Nittany Lions to three straight wins in November to become bowl-eligible. In Penn State's Pinstripe Bowl win over Clemson, Grunkemeyer was 23-for-34 for 260 yards and two touchdown passes in the fourth quarter.
Another potential portal target from Penn State emerged as tight end Luke Reynolds is reportedly entering as well. The former five-star had 368 yards receiving and a touchdown for the Nittany Lions.