James Franklin’s first quarterback at Virginia Tech might not come from within the program - and if the transfer portal is where he’s looking, there’s now a familiar name on the board.
Beau Pribula is expected to enter the portal, and he brings with him a compelling mix of experience, production, and a direct connection to Franklin. The two go back to their days at Penn State, where Pribula began his college career and carved out a niche as a dual-threat option in the Nittany Lions’ offense.
At Penn State, Pribula wasn’t the every-down quarterback, but he made the most of his opportunities. Used primarily in run-heavy packages, he still managed to flash some efficiency through the air - completing 37 of 56 passes for 424 yards, nine touchdowns, and just one interception across two seasons.
On the ground, he was even more dynamic, racking up 571 rushing yards and 10 touchdowns on 94 carries. That kind of production in a limited role speaks to the versatility he brings to the table.
Looking for a larger role, Pribula transferred to Missouri for this past season. And despite missing time due to injury, he showed he could handle a starting job.
Pribula completed 67.4% of his passes (182-of-270) for 1,941 yards and 11 touchdowns. The nine interceptions are something to clean up, but there’s no question he took a step forward as a passer.
He also continued to be a factor on the ground, adding 297 rushing yards and six more scores on 95 carries.
Now, with Pribula back in the portal, the timing is interesting - especially with Franklin settling into his new role at Virginia Tech. The Hokies are likely to explore multiple quarterback options, and with the portal as deep as ever, there’s no shortage of talent available. But what makes Pribula stand out isn’t just his skill set - it’s the familiarity with Franklin’s system and expectations.
For a coach trying to establish a new identity in Blacksburg, having a quarterback who already knows the playbook, the terminology, and the culture could be invaluable. It’s not just about plugging in a player - it’s about setting a tone. And while it’s too early to say whether Pribula will be the guy, the dots are there to connect.
Whether other quarterbacks will be eager to jump into a still-developing situation at Virginia Tech remains to be seen. Some may wait to see how things take shape under Franklin before committing. But Pribula, with his background and potential fit, could be the kind of early domino that helps set the foundation.
If the relationship between Franklin and Pribula is still strong, this could be more than just a reunion - it could be the start of something significant for the Hokies’ new era.