Virginia Tech quarterback Pop Watson III is officially entering the transfer portal, setting the stage for a fresh chapter in his college football journey. The redshirt sophomore has two seasons of eligibility left and now becomes one of the more intriguing quarterback options available this offseason.
Watson’s time in Blacksburg was marked by flashes of promise, even if the opportunities were limited. Over three seasons with the Hokies, he appeared in 11 games and made two starts, showing glimpses of dual-threat potential that could appeal to programs looking for a mobile, playmaking QB.
His breakout moment came in the 2024 regular-season finale against Virginia. Thrust into the spotlight, Watson delivered in a big way-completing 14 of 21 passes for 254 yards and a touchdown, while adding 48 rushing yards and another score.
It was a performance that not only helped seal a 37-17 rivalry win but also earned him ACC Rookie of the Week honors. That game gave Hokies fans a taste of what Watson could bring when given the reins.
During the 2024 season, he saw action in five games, completing 34 of 59 passes for 481 yards. He started twice, including Virginia Tech’s appearance in the Duke’s Mayo Bowl against Minnesota. While the Hokies ultimately came up short in that game, Watson’s presence under center was a sign of the coaching staff’s growing trust in his development.
In 2025, his role was more limited. He played in four games, completing 2 of 4 passes for 77 yards.
Most of his impact came on the ground, where he logged nine carries for 22 yards and a rushing touchdown. While the sample size was small, the ability to contribute in multiple ways remained evident.
Watson’s football résumé goes well beyond what he did at Virginia Tech. A standout at Springfield Central High School in Massachusetts, he was named Gatorade Massachusetts Player of the Year and earned U.S. Army All-American honors-credentials that made him a high-profile recruit coming out of high school.
Now, with two years of eligibility and a solid foundation of experience, Watson hits the portal as a player who’s already shown he can step up in big moments. He may not have had the volume of snaps that some quarterbacks boast, but the talent is there-and so is the upside. For programs in need of a dynamic signal-caller who can extend plays and bring energy to an offense, Watson could be a name to watch closely in the coming weeks.