Pop Watson Enters Transfer Portal After Rollercoaster Tenure at Virginia Tech
Pop Watson’s time in Blacksburg is coming to a close. The redshirt sophomore quarterback officially entered the transfer portal on Friday, signaling the end of a three-year stint at Virginia Tech that saw flashes of potential, moments of resilience, and plenty of twists along the way.
Watson, listed at 5-foot-11 and 201 pounds, played in 11 games for the Hokies, with his most notable contributions coming late in the 2024 season. He started the final two games that year, stepping in during a time of need and showing glimpses of what he could become.
His overall numbers in maroon and orange: 36 completions on 63 attempts (57.1%) for 558 yards, one touchdown, and two interceptions through the air. On the ground, he added 81 yards and two rushing scores on 54 carries. But those stats only tell part of the story.
The Springfield, Massachusetts native first saw extended action in a tough spot - replacing backup quarterback Collin Schlee, who was filling in for an injured Kyron Drones, during a road game at Duke on November 23, 2024. It was Watson’s first real collegiate test, and the Blue Devils’ defense didn’t make it easy.
He finished 12-of-25 for 146 yards and an interception, while absorbing seven sacks that led to -4 net rushing yards. It was a trial by fire, and though the numbers weren’t pretty, it laid the groundwork for what came next.
A week later, Watson got the start in the Commonwealth Clash against Virginia - and that’s where he made his mark. With both Drones and Schlee sidelined, the Hokies handed the keys to Watson, and he delivered.
He looked confident, composed, and in control, leading an offense that piled up 456 total yards against the Cavaliers. Watson went 14-of-21 for 254 yards and a touchdown to Jaylin Lane, while adding 48 yards on the ground.
That performance earned him a 90.4 offensive grade from Pro Football Focus - a standout number for any quarterback, let alone one making just his second career start. He was also named ACC Rookie of the Week, a well-deserved honor after showing poise under pressure and a clear command of the offense.
“I went out there this week and I was just like, ‘Play your style of ball,’” Watson said after the game. “I think that’s what got me here.
… I was like, I can do this. I’ve been in pressure situations and I feel like that’s where I thrive.”
Watson’s momentum didn’t quite carry over into the bowl game. In the Duke’s Mayo Bowl against Minnesota on January 3, the Hokies’ offense sputtered.
Watson completed 8-of-12 passes for 81 yards, but was sacked five times, resulting in -31 rushing yards. It was a tough way to close out what had been a promising late-season surge.
In 2025, Watson saw limited action. He played just 22 snaps, with eight coming in the final home game of the season against No.
14 Miami on November 22. He made the most of that brief appearance, completing a clutch 39-yard pass to Ayden Greene on fourth-and-11, then running in a touchdown from three yards out on the very next play.
But the high was short-lived - after the Hokies recovered the onside kick, Watson was stripped by Miami’s Akheem Mesidor, who recovered the fumble to seal the game.
He wrapped up the 2025 season with a 2-for-4 passing line for 77 yards, plus 22 rushing yards and one touchdown on nine carries.
A former three-star recruit, Watson was the 2022 Gatorade Player of the Year in Massachusetts. He initially committed to Nebraska before flipping to Virginia Tech, bringing with him a dual-threat skill set and a reputation for thriving under pressure.
Now, he’ll look for a fresh start elsewhere. Watson becomes the second Virginia Tech quarterback to enter the portal since James Franklin took over the program in November, joining Garret Rangel in exploring new opportunities.
Wherever he lands, Watson will bring experience, athleticism, and the kind of mental toughness that comes from being thrown into the fire and coming out stronger on the other side.