When the Transfer Portal opens next month, there is going to be no shortage of quarterbacks for schools to choose from. The Hokies are losing Garret Rangel to the portal, which isn't a surprise, but with Kyron Drones out of eligibility, new head coach James Franklin is going to have to bring in his next QB from outside the program for 2026.
Over the last couple of weeks, there have been a handful of quarterbacks who have either announced that they are leaving their current school or intend to. While there will be some targets for Franklin to bring to Blacksburg next season, one of them became a clear target on Thursday.
Virginia Tech coach James Franklin should target Missouri QB Beau Pribula
One player that Franklin and quarterbacks coach Danny O'Brien have extensive knowledge of is Missouri's Beau Pribula. He played at Penn State in 2023 and 2024 before transferring to Missouri. According to Matt Zenitz of CBS Sports, Pribula has informed the Tigers he's entering the portal next month.
This season for Missouri, he threw for just under 2,000 yards, 11 touchdowns, and nine interceptions. Before playing for the Tigers, he played two seasons for Franklin at Penn State in spot duty. His numbers in the SEC are not going to blow a lot of people away, but his familiarity with Franklin and O'Brien has to help the Hokies' cause.
In two seasons in State College, Pribula threw for 424 yards, nine touchdowns, and only one pick. He also rushed for 571 yards and 10 touchdowns. Those two seasons got Pribula paid to play in the SEC, and now he's looking for a new home. If the relationship between Franklin and Pribula is good, this becomes a realistic option for 2026.
There are other options that are going to be available, including Old Dominion's Colton Joseph, but Pribula is someone who is well-known to Franklin and O'Brien. He is someone worth keeping an eye on as January draws closer.