When starting quarterback Kyron Drones went down with multiple injuries late last season, the starting duties went to UCLA transfer Collin Schlee. In a game at Duke in late November, Schlee was injured, and the keys went to youngster Pop Watson. After nearly leading the Hokies to a comeback against the Blue Devils in Durham, he got the start in the most important game of the year, Thanksgiving Weekend against Virginia at home in the Commonwealth Clash.
Both teams entered the game at 5-6 and needed a win to become bowl-eligible. For the second straight year, the Hokies were able to win going away against the Cavaliers, and a lot of that had to do with Watson and his ability to play very well with the bright lights on.
Between the win over Virginia and the Duke’s Mayo Bowl loss to Minnesota in Charlotte, it was announced that both Drones and Watson would be returning to Virginia Tech for the 2025 season. That was a huge announcement that gives the Hokies two good signal callers. Watson, who will get a ton of snaps in Saturday’s Spring Game with Drones out and undergoing a medical procedure, said that entering the transfer portal never crossed his mind much.
Pop Watson discusses not entering the transfer portal
With Drones returning, it would have been very easy for Watson to enter the transfer portal to find a new home for this season and beyond. If he had entered, his short tape of action late in the season would have drawn a lot of interest in the former Massachusetts Gatorade Player of the Year at Springfield Central High School. The portal, however, never crossed his mind.
"Not at all, I never ran away from competition,'' Watson said. "Everyday I'm in here, right now I'm the (QB)2, that's just my deck of cards. I try just come in here everyday, put my head and run and also get Kyron (Drones) back.''
With the latest news surrounding Drones and his medical procedure, Watson must stay at Virginia Tech as it would not be surprising to see him get some meaningful snaps in the fall, however the quarterback position plays out. He’s clearly “the guy’’ when Drones is gone.