Virginia Tech Hokies fans, rejoice! The Hokies are finally seeing some depth and potential at the quarterback position, a refreshing change after years of uncertainty. New head coach James Franklin made it a priority this offseason to strengthen this crucial spot, and it’s paying off.
Leading the charge is Ethan Grunkemeyer, who started seven games for Penn State last season and was a standout in the transfer portal. He’s expected to take the reins as the starter, bringing experience and skill to the Hokies’ offense.
Backing him up is redshirt freshman Bryce Baker, a four-star recruit from the 2025 class. Baker initially committed to North Carolina, but after a season, he transferred to Virginia Tech, drawn by his previous connections with Franklin and new quarterbacks coach Danny O’Brien. Add to that mix another redshirt freshman, Kelden Ryan, who was a key recruit for the Hokies in 2025, and true freshman Troy Huhn.
Huhn, a 6-foot-4, 222-pound talent from California, was initially committed to Penn State before switching to Virginia Tech following Franklin’s hiring. Expectations were modest for Huhn, but he turned heads with a stellar performance in last weekend’s intrasquad scrimmage, throwing four touchdown passes. Franklin described Huhn’s showing as “unbelievable,” highlighting his efficiency and poise despite an interception.
“Troy was probably the big one that really stood out in the scrimmage,” Franklin noted. “He’s very calm, he’s very poised, he’s very smart.
He works at it. He’s wired the right way.”
While Huhn’s performance is promising, it doesn’t necessarily mean he’ll see the field as a freshman. He might be a candidate for a redshirt year, allowing him to develop further. But the real victory here is Franklin’s strategy to ensure the Hokies have a solid lineup from starter to backup, a luxury the team hasn’t always enjoyed.
This newfound depth means Virginia Tech fans can breathe a little easier, knowing that the team is building a strong foundation at quarterback, ready to face whatever challenges come their way.