Virginia Tech quarterback Pop Watson is set to enter the transfer portal per Pete Thamel of ESPN, with Watson himself confirming the news.
Prayer and preparation, Thank you Hokie nation! https://t.co/KUtJnXoqw4
— Pop Watson III (@WW3thefuture) December 26, 2025
The redshirt sophomore appeared in 11 games and started in two games through his three years at Tech. Watson totaled 558 passing yards on a 57% completion rate with a touchdown and two interceptions. On the ground he ran for 81 yards and two touchdowns.
In 2024, Watson made his only two starts as a Hokie against Virginia and in the bowl game versus Minnesota after playing most of the game against Duke due to injuries. He was selected ACC Rookie of the Week for his performance against UVA, which helped the Hokies win the Commonwealth Clash 37-17 thanks to 254 passing yards on 14-for-21 throwing and a touchdown both on the ground and in the air.
As he enters his redshirt junior year, you can understand his perspective on making this decision with a new coach. It's likely that James Franklin will sign his own quarterback this offseason through the transfer portal. Even with Kyron Drones' poor passing offense this season, Pop Watson never had an opportunity to establish himself as the long-term starter; thus, he is most likely looking for a high chance to start in his final two years of eligibility.
He is on the smaller side of a QB being listed at 5-foot-11 and 200 lbs., but still he has the ability to be a talented dual-threat quarterback with his new team. There are times when he is flustered by pressure, and he was sacked 15 times in his final three games of the 2024 season, but in the right system and with solid protection, he can lead a team as a starter next year.
Watson is now the second Virginia Tech QB to announce their plan to enter the transfer portal after Garret Rangel did last week.
