The Virginia Tech football team’s quarterback situation was unsettled in 2024, but the team is already anticipating a more steady season in 2025. According to the team’s social media post on Friday, quarterbacks Kyron Drones and William ‘Pop’ Watson III will return to the program in 2025 rather than entering the transfer portal.
Both Drones, a junior, and Watson, a redshirt freshman, have at least one year of eligibility left. Both quarterbacks started numerous games for the Hokies in 2024 and had similar success rates.
Drones, a Baylor transfer, is a known name in Blacksburg after starting 11 games in 2023 and nine in 2024. However, he sustained a foot injury against Georgia Tech on October 26 that appeared to worsen two weeks later against Clemson. His absence paved the way for Collin Schlee and, finally, Watson.
Drones finishes his third season in 2024 with 1,562 passing yards, ten touchdowns, and six interceptions. He gained 336 yards and six touchdowns on the ground.
Warner, who started the last two regular-season games, finished 2024 with 400 passing yards, one touchdown, and one interception. He also added 50 rushing yards and one touchdown on the ground.
Virginia Tech to face Minnesota in Duke’s Mayo Bowl
Virginia Tech’s 2024 season isn’t over yet, as the Hokies prepare to face Minnesota in the Duke’s Mayo Bowl on Jan. 3. A win would give head coach Brent Pry a second consecutive winning season, capping off his third year with the program. However, they’ll have to do it without starter Kyron Drones, who has been ruled out for the game. Freshman quarterback William Watson will step in for his first bowl game start.
Watson, who started the final two games of the regular season, led Virginia Tech to a 1-1 finish. His standout performance came in a 37-17 victory over rival Virginia, securing bowl eligibility for the Hokies. In that game, Watson threw for 254 yards, scored twice (once through the air and once on the ground), and displayed his potential as a playmaker.
Although Watson is a dual-threat quarterback, he lacks the same rushing prowess and pocket awareness as Drones. His inexperience showed in his first start against Duke, where he was sacked eight times and struggled under pressure. In total, he’s taken 10 sacks in his two starts, highlighting an area for growth.
Looking ahead to 2025, the Hokies have an intriguing quarterback situation. Drones, who has been the primary starter for much of the past two seasons, appears to have the edge for the role next fall. However, a strong performance by Watson in the Duke’s Mayo Bowl could give Pry something to think about during offseason evaluations. With both quarterbacks set to return, the competition will be worth watching as the Hokies aim to build on their 2024 campaign.
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