Virginia Tech's Quarterback Battle Remains Open To Start April

The Hokies' starting QB job is up for grabs with the spring game just 17 days away.

Apr. 1, 2026 at 11:04pm

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Virginia Tech's quarterback competition remains wide open heading into the spring game on April 18. Penn State transfer Ethan Grunkemeyer has the most in-game experience, but head coach Brent Franklin wants to keep the competition alive as long as possible to establish a strong three-deep at the position. Grunkemeyer, Kelden Ryan, Bryce Baker, and early enrollee Troy Huhn are all vying for the starting job, with Franklin impressed by the group's effort and talent.

Why it matters

Establishing a clear starting quarterback is crucial for Virginia Tech as they look to bounce back from a disappointing 2025 season. The Hokies need stability and leadership at the most important position on the field, and this open competition will determine who will lead the offense in 2026 and potentially beyond.

The details

Ethan Grunkemeyer, a redshirt sophomore transfer from Penn State, is the presumptive favorite after starting the final six games for the Nittany Lions last season. He threw for 1,339 yards, 8 touchdowns, and 4 interceptions, posting a QBR of 75.0. However, Grunkemeyer has not yet won the job outright, as he faces competition from Kelden Ryan, Bryce Baker, and early enrollee Troy Huhn. Head coach Brent Franklin wants to keep the competition open as long as possible to establish depth at the position, noting that all four quarterbacks have impressed with their effort and talent.

  • The Virginia Tech spring game is scheduled for Saturday, April 18, 2026 at 3 p.m. ET.
  • The Hokies' 2026 season opener is on Saturday, September 5, 2026 against VMI.

The players

Ethan Grunkemeyer

A redshirt sophomore transfer from Penn State, Grunkemeyer is the presumptive favorite to win Virginia Tech's starting quarterback job after starting the final six games for the Nittany Lions last season.

Kelden Ryan

A quarterback competing for the starting job at Virginia Tech, though he did not see any game action for the Hokies in 2025.

Bryce Baker

A quarterback competing for the starting job at Virginia Tech, though he did not see any game action for the Hokies in 2025 after transferring from North Carolina.

Troy Huhn

A true freshman early enrollee quarterback competing for the starting job at Virginia Tech.

Brent Franklin

The head coach of the Virginia Tech football team, who is overseeing the open quarterback competition.

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What they’re saying

“Little bit different style, but both [are] very conscientious. Both really want to do well. Both are willing to make the sacrifices and live the lifestyle to allow them to be successful. They both have similar bodies. They both can make all or most of the throws. They both can beat you with their feet. So, I've been impressed.”

— Brent Franklin, Head Coach, Virginia Tech

“I also want to keep competition at every position as long as we possibly can, going into the season. I just think that's in everybody's best interest. Once you make that decision, you say that the second-team and the third-team guys should still be preparing like the starter, but it usually takes some time to get over that and then move on. So I'd like to keep it alive as long as we possibly can, not just at the quarterback position, but really in every position.”

— Brent Franklin, Head Coach, Virginia Tech

What’s next

The Virginia Tech coaching staff will continue to evaluate the quarterbacks throughout spring practice, with the goal of potentially naming a starter before the spring game on April 18. However, Franklin has indicated he may keep the competition open even after the spring game to maintain depth and competition at the position.

The takeaway

Virginia Tech's quarterback battle remains wide open as the team heads into the spring game, reflecting the coaching staff's desire to establish a strong three-deep at the position. The competition between Ethan Grunkemeyer, Kelden Ryan, Bryce Baker, and Troy Huhn will likely continue well into fall camp as the Hokies look to find their next starting signal-caller.