After the Virginia Tech 2025 season came to an end on the football field with a loss at Virginia Thanksgiving Weekend, the James Franklin era in Blacksburg was beginning. One thing was for sure: there was going to be a lot of turnover with the Hokies' roster. When the Transfer Portal opened five weeks later, there would be a lot of comings and goings.
That was the case as Franklin and his staff are making over the roster and doing so by bringing in some key players, both from Penn State who are following Franklin, as well as players from around the country. Leading up to the portal opening, Virginia Tech lost both quarterbacks with eligibility remaining. Oklahoma State transfer Garret Rangel entered the portal first, then shortly after, Pop Watson entered. On Sunday night, Watson found his new home, and he'll be returning close to home to play out his next couple of seasons of college football.
Virginia Tech QB transfer Pop Watson commits to UMass
Watson was clearly a fan-favorite during his time in Blacksburg, but it became clear that Franklin was going to bring in his own signal callers, and he entered the Transfer Portal. According to Pete Thamel of ESPN, Watson committed to UMass, which means the former Massachusetts Gatorade Player of the Year is returning home to finish his college eligibility. Watson grew up a few miles from the Minutemen's campus and starred at Springfield Central High School for his father, Bill. It's a big jolt for a program that has been a laughing stock in the sport for years, but getting Watson is what the program hopes is the beginning of a much-needed turnaround.
Virginia Tech fans will always remember Watson's start Thanksgiving Weekend at home against Virginia when he led the Hokies to a bowl-eligibility win over the Cavaliers in 2024. You could say that he got kind of a raw deal in playing time and probably should have played more during his tenure in Blacksburg, but who says you can never go home? Pop Watson certainly is. Best of luck to Pop, go be great!