Marty Gordon
NRVsports@mainstreetnewspapers.com
The transfer portal for college football is about to open, and Virginia Tech should have five positions to target for the current roster.
New head coach James Franklin will have his boards filled with possibilities.
The most obvious one is quarterback, where QB1 will be someone new for the 2026 season.
Pop Watson leads a QB-room of the trio of Garrett Rangel, Kelden Ryan and AJ Brand, but three of those and maybe all four might not be on the roster when the dirt clears in the next 30 days. Rangel, who transfered in last season, never got time on the field, while Ryan and Brand are two redshirt Freshmen that has plenty of potential. The question is whether they will fall deeper down the roster with Franklin taking over.
Watson is the wildcard. While he took a redshirt before last season finished, the question is whether Franklin will keep him at QB or ask him to move to another position. Pop would fit well as a wideout.
The second need for Franklin is wide receiver. No one really stood out this past season except for Ayden Greene and maybe Isaiah Spencer. A new QB will need some additional targets, again with experience.
The defensive side of the ball needs more depth, first on the defensive line and secondly in the secondary. You cannot have enough players in these two positions.
Another position the Hokies need to seek is offensive line. Yes, Franklin reeled in a large group of recruits, but the team needs experience now and not later.
The Hokies also need to find a specialist to handle the punting duties. Peter Moore has set the standard in Blacksburg, and there has to be someone in the portal that can bring that same attitude to the field.
