The quarterback room in Blacksburg is about to get a serious makeover.
With the transfer portal set to officially open in January, Virginia Tech is already seeing movement under new head coach James Franklin. The first domino fell this week when quarterback Garret Rangel announced his intention to enter the portal.
Rangel, who transferred from Oklahoma State ahead of last season, didn’t see the field in 2025 and still has one year of eligibility left. His departure signals what could be a complete overhaul at the position.
And let’s be honest-Virginia Tech needs it.
The Hokies have struggled to find stability under center in recent years, and the frustration among fans has been building. Kyron Drones, who flashed promise in 2023, never quite put it all together and played his final snap in the season-ending loss to Virginia. His departure closes a chapter that never fully lived up to its early potential.
Looking ahead, Franklin and his staff have already secured a commitment from Troy Huhn for the 2026 recruiting class, but that’s a long-term play. The immediate need is clear: Tech needs experienced, dynamic quarterback play now.
Enter Beau Pribula.
On Thursday, Missouri quarterback Beau Pribula officially entered the transfer portal, and he’s a name Hokie fans should get familiar with. Pribula brings a unique combination of familiarity and upside.
He’s a former four-star recruit out of Central Catholic in Pennsylvania who started his college career at Penn State-under none other than James Franklin. After three seasons in Happy Valley, Pribula transferred to Missouri, where he saw significant playing time in 2025.
Standing 6-foot-2 and weighing 212 pounds, Pribula is a true dual-threat quarterback. He redshirted in 2022 but still managed to appear in 24 games over two seasons at Penn State, completing 66% of his passes for 424 yards, nine touchdowns, and just one interception. On the ground, he added 571 rushing yards at an impressive 6.1 yards per carry, along with 10 touchdowns.
This past season at Missouri, Pribula continued to show growth. He played in 10 games, completing 67% of his passes for 1,941 yards, 11 touchdowns, and nine interceptions.
He also ran for 297 yards and six touchdowns, despite missing two full games due to a dislocated ankle. That kind of production, especially in an offense that struggled with pass protection, speaks to his toughness and versatility.
Now, here’s where things get interesting for Virginia Tech.
Pribula has ties to both Franklin and Kirby Moore, who was his offensive coordinator at Missouri and is now the head coach at Washington State. And don’t rule out a return to Penn State, where he still has strong connections.
But the Hokies make a lot of sense. The familiarity with Franklin’s system, the opportunity to compete for a starting job, and the chance to lead a program in transition could make this a compelling fit.
Of course, not every fan is sold. Some will look at Pribula’s numbers and wonder if he’s worth the investment, especially in today’s NIL-driven landscape.
But the tape tells a more complete story. Pribula is a decisive runner, a confident passer, and someone who’s already battled through adversity.
He’s not just a body to fill the depth chart-he’s a legitimate contender to lead this offense.
Still, Virginia Tech shouldn’t stop at one.
With William “Pop” Watson (two years of eligibility remaining) and incoming freshmen A.J. Brand and Kelden Ryan currently on the roster, Franklin would be wise to bring in at least two quarterbacks from the portal.
Competition breeds excellence, and this group needs a shakeup. Watson has potential, but the Hokies can’t afford to bank on development alone.
They need proven playmakers who can step in and elevate the offense from Day 1.
The quarterback position has been a question mark in Blacksburg for too long. With the portal heating up and familiar faces like Pribula on the move, Virginia Tech has a real chance to reshape its identity under center. And if Franklin can land the right guy-or two-it could be the spark that sets this new era in motion.