Going into the Transfer Portal, there was clearly a need at quarterback for James Franklin at Virginia Tech. Last year's starter, Kyron Drones, is out of eligibility, and the next two signal callers on the depth chart have entered the portal.
The good news for Franklin is that there is no shortage of options in the portal this year. There is also incoming freshman Troy Hunhn in the Class of 2026. Still, an experienced QB from the portal, or even two, is a need for the Hokies.
Late Sunday night, it was reported that Penn State transfer Ethan Grunkemeyer was likely going to follow James Franklin to Virginia Tech. That became reality on Monday, and that is a huge get for Franklin, quarterbacks coach Danny O'Brien, and new offensive coordinator Ty Howle, who both followed Franklin from State College to Blacksburg. On Monday night, Kolby Crawford of VTScoop dropped a Crystal Ball prediction for the Hokies to land a second quarterback this cycle.
Crystal Ball has Virginia Tech landing UNC transfer QB
Crawford placed a Crystal Ball prediction for Virginia Tech to land North Carolina transfer quarterback Bryce Baker. Under Bill Belichick with the Tar Heels, Baker did not see the field in 2025 as he was well down on their depth chart as a freshman.
Baker was a four-star out of high school and is from Kernersville, N.C. It was not surprising to see Baker transfer out of Chapel Hill, and he would be a nice get for the Hokies as the second QB in this portal. Like Grunkemeyer, this is something where it wouldn't be surprising to see a commitment sooner rather than later.
There are a couple of areas that Virginia Tech needs to rebuild through the portal, but if they can get Baker, it would be two good additions under center.