James Franklin Would Love to Have Clarity On Quarterback Competition By End Of The Spring

Spring practice continues this week for Virginia Tech and the Hokies are getting closer and closer to their spring game on April 18th.

One of the big headlines for Virginia Tech this spring is figuring out who is going to be the starting quarterback for the team this fall. Penn State transfer Ethan Grunkemeyer has been the presumed starter since he came to Virginia Tech out of the transfer portal, but UNC transfer Bryce Baker has impressed this spring and true freshman Troy Huhn had a standout performance in a scrimmage this past Saturday.

Who will emerge?

Nov 22, 2025; University Park, Pennsylvania, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions quarterback Ethan Grunkemeyer (17) runs with the ball during the second quarter against the Nebraska Cornhuskers at Beaver Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew O'Haren-Imagn Images | Matthew O'Haren-Imagn Images

From the looks of things, the Hokies still have a lot to figure out when it comes to who is going to be QB1 and head coach James Franklin said as much after practice on Tuesday:

"Obviously, we made some changes, as you guys know, we talked about last week in terms of moving some guys. AJ [Brand] is doing a really good job for us right now, a wide receiver and Wildcat quarterback. Had a couple touchdowns today, that's been a real positive. But it's also allowed those other quarterbacks to get more meaningful reps. So I think it's been a win-win for everybody. I think that's really kind of my job as the head coach, to put everybody in the best position to be successful, and also the team. And I think that's been a win. I think it was hard for some of those guys to make those moves, but I think it was the right thing to do. So the reps have been really valuable, but obviously, you still have a ton of work to do between now and camp."

Franklin also mentioned that he would like to have a pecking order in the quarterback room finalized by the end of the spring, but he also wants to keep competition going into the season as long as he can for as many positions as he can:

"Yeah, I would like it, but I don't know if we will. And 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. And the reality is, it's not like I have to say something, right? The guys see it, right? They kind of have an idea. I want multiple quarterbacks to take on a leadership role, but the players are going to listen to who they believe in, who they trust and who they respect. So it's not like we got to crown somebody for everybody to see it and feel it. The players got a pretty good idea."

This is going to be something that is talked about until the end of the spring or until Franklin gives a clear answer to who the starting quarterback is going to be.

I think it would be fair to label the competition as Grunkemeyer's to lose, but it does feel like the other players in that room have shown up to compete and push him to the limit.

Virginia Tech is going to be one of the most followed teams this spring and into the fall given the changes with the program and the talent brought in. Picking the right quarterback can be tricky sometimes, but it can be the difference between being a contender in the ACC or falling short of expectations.

Only time will tell.