If you spent any time scrolling through Hokie Twitter late last year, you saw the "Enter Sandman" vibes turning a bit sour. The 2025 season didn't just bring a new schedule; it brought a literal earthquake to Blacksburg. Brent Pry is out, James Franklin is officially in (after a wild coaching search that felt like a fever dream), and the Virginia Tech depth chart 2025 looks like it was put through a blender.
Honestly, the "continuity" everyone was banking on vanished faster than a tailgate biscuit. Between the massive Penn State-to-Blacksburg pipeline and some gut-punch departures to the SEC, the roster we’re looking at right now is barely recognizable. But here’s the thing: most people are looking at the 2025 depth chart and seeing a rebuild. I'm looking at it and seeing a roster that, while chaotic, actually has more raw talent than anything we've seen in the Pry era.
The Quarterback Room: Life After the Drones Era
Let’s talk about Kyron Drones for a second. He finished 2025 with some respectable numbers—2,563 total yards and 26 touchdowns—but the consistency just wasn't there. He was a warrior, playing through a laundry list of injuries that would’ve sidelined most humans, but his eligibility is up.
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So, who takes the keys to the castle? Basically, it’s a three-way street, but one lane is moving much faster.
Ethan Grunkemeyer is the name you’ve got to circle. The Penn State transfer followed Franklin to Virginia Tech and, frankly, he’s the frontrunner. He’s a four-star talent with three years of eligibility left. He’s got that "zip" on the ball that Tech has lacked on intermediate routes.
Then you've got the local favorite, Bryce Baker. He’s a redshirt freshman who the staff loves, but is he ready for the ACC spotlight? Probably not quite yet. Behind them, A.J. Brand and Kelden Ryan are the developmental pieces. Pop Watson headed to UMass, and Garret Rangel is in the portal, so the "old guard" is effectively gone.
Projected QB Order
- QB1: Ethan Grunkemeyer (r-So.)
- QB2: Bryce Baker (r-Fr.)
- QB3: A.J. Brand (r-Fr.)
The "New Look" Backfield and Playmakers
If you’re looking for Bhayshul Tuten, you’re about a year too late. The 2025 ground game was supposed to be the "Terion Stewart Show," but the Bowling Green transfer’s stay in Blacksburg was a bit of a rollercoaster. Heading into 2026 prep, the backfield is leaning heavily on Marcellous Hawkins. He’s a redshirt senior now, and he’s finally getting his shot to be the bell cow.
But watch out for Bill Davis. He’s a transfer from Louisiana who quietly put up good numbers in the Sun Belt. He’s shifty, kinda like a smaller Tuten, and provides a nice change of pace.
At receiver, things are actually... dare I say... exciting? Ayden Greene is the alpha. He’s a senior now and coming off a year where he looked like an All-ACC candidate. The real "wow" factor, though, is Que'Sean Brown. The Duke transfer is a legitimate four-star playmaker who can take a screen 70 yards.
- WR1 (X): Ayden Greene (Sr.)
- WR2 (Z): Marlion Jackson (r-Sr.) – Transfer from Louisiana Tech
- Slot: Que'Sean Brown (r-Jr.) – The Duke transfer everyone is sleeping on
Don't ignore the freshman Shamarius "Snook" Peterkin. He flashed big time toward the end of last year. He’s got that "it" factor.
The Trenches: Where Things Get Messy
This is where the Virginia Tech depth chart 2025 gets a little depressing for long-time fans. Losing Xavier Chaplin to Auburn and Braelin Moore to LSU hurt. A lot. You don't just replace 6-foot-7 tackles with "potential."
James Franklin did what he does best, though—he hit the portal. Hard. Montavious Cunningham is the veteran anchor now at tackle. He’s a grad transfer who provides some much-needed adult supervision to a room full of underclassmen. Brody Meadows is still around at guard, which is a massive relief, but the rest of the line is a revolving door of Penn State transfers like Michael Troutman III and Justin Bell.
It’s going to take time for this group to gel. Coach Matt Moore has his work cut out for him, but the size is there. They’re bigger across the board than they were under the previous regime.
Defense: The "Penn State South" Transformation
The defense is where you really see the James Franklin influence. It’s basically a Big Ten defense playing in the ACC.
Keon Wylie (another PSU transfer) is likely going to start at linebacker. He’s fast, he hits like a truck, and he knows the system Franklin wants to run. With Caleb Woodson heading to Alabama (yeah, that one still stings), Wylie is the heartbeat of the middle.
On the edge, Kamauryn Morgan is the name to watch. He’s a four-star transfer from Baylor who chose Tech over some massive programs. He’s got that twitchy pass-rush ability that makes quarterbacks lose sleep. Paired with Kemari Copeland, the defensive line might actually be the strongest unit on the team.
Secondary Shakeup
- CB1: Isaiah Brown-Murray (r-Sr.)
- CB2: Jaquez White (Sr.) – Troy transfer
- Nickel: Kenny Woseley Jr. (r-Jr.)
- Safety: Tyson Flowers (r-Sr.) / Quentin Reddish (r-So.)
Losing Mansoor Delane to LSU was a blow to the secondary’s ceiling, but Isaiah Brown-Murray has proven he can lock down half the field. The addition of Kenny Woseley Jr. from Penn State gives them a nickel corner who can actually cover those pesky ACC slot receivers.
What Most People Get Wrong About This Roster
The biggest misconception is that the 2025 roster was "better" because it had more familiar names. Honestly? The 2024 and 2025 seasons were plagued by "almosts." Almost beat Miami. Almost beat Vandy.
This new-look Virginia Tech depth chart 2025 is built on a different philosophy. Franklin isn't interested in "almost." He’s recruited and ported in guys with higher physical ceilings. Is there less chemistry? Absolutely. Will there be more blown assignments in September? Probably. But the talent floor has been raised significantly.
Moving Forward: What to Watch For
If you're trying to figure out if this team is for real, don't look at the stats in the spring game. Look at the offensive line rotation. If Franklin and Moore can find a settled five by fall camp, this team can compete for a top-tier bowl. If it’s still a musical chairs situation at tackle, it’s going to be a long year for Ethan Grunkemeyer.
Also, keep an eye on the special teams. John Love is still the kicker (thank goodness), and he’s basically automatic. In a season where the offense might be finding its identity, having a guy who can drill 50-yarders is a literal lifesaver.
Your Next Steps for Following the Hokies:
- Track the post-spring portal window (late April). Franklin usually has one more big move up his sleeve, likely for a veteran defensive tackle.
- Watch for early enrollee reports on Bryce Baker. If he starts taking reps with the ones, the QB "competition" might be tighter than we think.
- Check the injury reports on Tucker Holloway. If he’s 100% back, he changes the dynamic of the return game completely.