Former Virginia Tech QB Pop Watson leads new team to shocking upset

Former Virginia Tech QB Pop Watson leads new team to shocking upset

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Former Virginia Tech QB Pop Watson leads new team to shocking upset
PISCATAWAY, NEW JERSEY – SEPTEMBER 3: Quarterback William Watson III #5 of the Massachusetts Minutemen passes the ball during the second quarter against the Rutgers Scarlet Knights at SHI Stadium on September 3, 2026 in Piscataway, New Jersey. (Photo by Mark Smith/ISI Photos/ISI Photos via Getty Images) | ISI Photos via Getty Images

Former Massachusetts high school player of the year William “Pop” Watson spent three seasons at Virginia Tech before departing last offseason. A three-star signee in the 2023 recruiting class, Watson redshirted in 2023 and would serve as Kyron Drones’ backup over the next two seasons.

The coach who recruited Watson, Brent Pry, was fired last September. While Pry later returned to Virginia Tech as new head coach James Franklin’s defensive coordinator, Watson had entered the transfer portal with the idea of returning closer to home.

Watson transferred to the University of Massachusetts, a team that had lost 16 straight games heading into Thursday’s season opener at Rutgers.

All Watson did was complete 19 of 22 passes for 197 yards and three touchdowns to lead UMass to a shocking upset win over the Scarlet Knights of the Big Ten. Watson also carried the ball six times for 40 yards in the win.

Look at this throw from Watson:

Virginia Tech fans on social media were supportive of Watson on Thursday night. The truth is, the Hokies are in a much better spot now with Franklin as the head coach, and Watson is in a better situation for himself. In the 2024 regular-season finale, Watson etched himself into Virginia Tech history by starting and leading the Hokies to a 37-17 blowout win over Virginia. He completed 14 of 21 passes for 254 yards and a touchdown, while also rushing for 48 yards and another score.

Fans were disappointed last season when Watson wasn’t given a chance to start, despite Drones’ struggles. In last season’s finale at Virginia, interim coach Philip Montgomery stubbornly (foolishly) stuck with the Drones instead of giving Watson a chance to see if he could jumpstart the Hokies. In three seasons, Watson would appear in 11 games at Tech, making two starts.

Congratulations, Pop. We’re rooting for you. Once a Hokie…….

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