Virginia Tech QB Switches to Wide Receiver

Redshirt freshman A.J. Brand moves to wideout at coach's suggestion

Mar. 25, 2026 at 2:33am

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Virginia Tech head coach James Franklin announced that redshirt freshman quarterback A.J. Brand will be switching positions to wide receiver. Brand was a highly decorated high school quarterback in South Carolina, but Franklin felt the move to receiver would be in both Brand's and the team's best interest given the depth at QB.

Why it matters

The position change for Brand provides more options for the Virginia Tech offense and special teams units. As a versatile athlete, Brand could potentially be used in 'Wild Hokie' formations and contribute in multiple ways to help the team win games.

The details

Brand was a four-year starting quarterback at Irmo High School in South Carolina, where he was named the 2024 Gatorade Player of the Year. He accounted for nearly 12,000 yards and 151 total touchdowns in his high school career. At 6'1" and 210 lbs, Franklin believes Brand's athleticism is better suited at wide receiver, where he can earn a role on offense and special teams.

  • Virginia Tech opened spring practice last week.
  • Franklin officially announced Brand's position change on Tuesday.

The players

James Franklin

The head coach of the Virginia Tech Hokies football team.

A.J. Brand

A redshirt freshman quarterback who is switching to wide receiver at the suggestion of head coach James Franklin.

Aaron Brand

A.J. Brand's father, who was one of the top high school football coaches in South Carolina.

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What they’re saying

“So, A.J. is going to move to wideout, that was the position he wanted to move to. The reality is, a couple of things, he's too good of an athlete, and he's too good of a guy. Everybody on the team loves him. He's got an infectious personality. Right now, where he was at on the depth chart, we had a conversation with him and his father, that it was my opinion, and our opinion, that this was in his best interest, and the team's best interest. I think he can help us on offense. And I think he can help us on special teams. This is just a way to get another really good athlete and another really good person the ability to earn a role to help us win games come the fall.”

— James Franklin, Head Coach

What’s next

Brand will have the opportunity to impress coaches and earn a role on offense and special teams during Virginia Tech's spring practice sessions.

The takeaway

The position change for A.J. Brand demonstrates the flexibility and adaptability of the Virginia Tech coaching staff, as they look to maximize the talents of their players and put the team in the best position to succeed. Brand's athleticism and character make him an asset, and the move to wide receiver could unlock new ways for him to contribute to the Hokies' success.