Virginia Tech football news: James Franklin names Penn State transfer QB1

NCAAF College Football News, Photos, Stats, Scores, Schedule & Videos...

Virginia Tech football news: James Franklin names Penn State transfer QB1 appeared first on ClutchPoints. Add ClutchPoints as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

Virginia Tech has its QB1 as Week 1 of the 2026 season is here. James Franklin won’t have to worry about breaking in an unfamiliar quarterback when he begins his first season at Virginia Tech.

It’s a new era in Blacksburg as Franklin comes from Penn State to the Hokies for a chance to turn this program around. Playing in the ACC could be a good thing for Franklin and his staff.

Season 1 should get off to a smooth start with a familiar face under center. Pete Thamel has announced that Ethan Grunkemeyer was named QB1 ahead of their Week 1 game against Virginia Military Institute.

Watch sports LIVE with fuboTV (free trial)

“Sources: Virginia Tech has named transfer Ethan Grunkemeyer the starting quarterback, and he’ll debut for the Hokies against VMI. Grunkemeyer is a Penn State transfer who threw for 1,339 yards and eight touchdowns. Won his final four starts of the year at Penn State.”

Thamel also announced that Grunkemeyer was named team captain.

“This is making official the expected, as he’s been named a team captain. Grunkemeyer started the final seven games of the season for Penn State last year, including throwing for a career-high 260 yards and two touchdowns in the Pinstripe Bowl win over Clemson. He was recruited to Penn State by new Tech coach James Franklin.”

For Franklin, it’s difficult to imagine a better scenario entering Year 1. Grunkemeyer already understands what his head coach expects and brings starting experience with him from Penn State. More importantly, he finished his time with the Nittany Lions playing some of his best football.

Virginia Tech shouldn’t need Grunkemeyer to be spectacular immediately, either. Opening against VMI gives the transfer quarterback a favorable opportunity to settle into his new surroundings before the schedule becomes more challenging.

There will naturally be pressure on Franklin to turn Virginia Tech around, and bringing familiar faces with him was always going to be part of that process. Grunkemeyer could prove to be one of the most important.

More at NCAAF College Football News, Photos, Stats, Scores, Schedule & Videos

Virginia Tech football news: James Franklin names Penn State transfer QB1

Archives