Inside Virginia Tech’s Quarterback Room: Rangel’s Arrival, Drones’ Status, and the Hokies’ Strategic Moves in the Portal
As the college football offseason winds down and programs begin to shape their depth charts for 2025, Virginia Tech finds itself navigating a pivotal moment at the quarterback position. This moment was underscored by the recent commitment of quarterback Rangel, a transfer who entered the portal shortly after spring practice concluded. His arrival in Blacksburg not only adds competition but also speaks volumes about the Hokies’ approach to depth, development, and resilience at the sport’s most crucial position.
But Rangel’s story is far more than just another transfer update. It ties into a broader theme surrounding the program: a strategic balancing act of future planning, injury management, and quarterback room construction.
Rangel’s Path to Blacksburg: From Tulsa Roots to the ACC
Rangel, a quarterback who originally committed to another program before landing at Virginia Tech, brings an interesting twist to the Hokies’ evolving quarterback narrative. What makes his move especially notable is his preexisting relationship with Virginia Tech offensive coordinator Philip Montgomery, a connection that dates back to Montgomery’s time as head coach at Tulsa. It was there that he first identified and began recruiting Rangel, establishing a foundation of trust and familiarity.
This relationship ultimately played a key role in Rangel’s decision to join Virginia Tech. As a quarterback looking for a fresh start and an opportunity to compete at a high level, aligning with a coordinator who understands his strengths—and one whose offensive philosophy is a match—was critical.
Though Rangel wasn’t signed with the intention of starting immediately, his experience and background offer valuable depth to a Hokies roster that has shown signs of promise under head coach Brent Pry, but is still working to regain the consistency that once made the program a dominant force in the ACC.
The QB Hierarchy: Drones is the Guy—For Now
As of now, there is no quarterback controversy at Virginia Tech. The unquestioned starter heading into the 2025 season is Kyron Drones, a dual-threat quarterback whose toughness, arm strength, and leadership have endeared him to both fans and coaches alike. Despite battling a slew of injuries throughout the 2024 campaign, Drones proved resilient, often carrying the offense and showing flashes of elite potential.
Following the season, Drones underwent a medical procedure to address lingering issues. While the details of that procedure weren’t fully disclosed, Coach Pry was clear in his messaging: Drones is expected to be back well in time for fall camp and should be fully ready to lead the offense once again.
His health, however, remains a key storyline heading into the season. In today’s college football, where quarterback depth can make or break a season, the addition of Rangel as an experienced insurance policy becomes all the more relevant.
Rangel vs. Watson: The Battle for Backup
With Drones atop the depth chart, the primary intrigue centers around the battle for the No. 2 quarterback spot, a position that has proved to be critical for many teams navigating the grind of a full season. Rangel is expected to compete with Pop Watson, a talented but still relatively unproven option.
Watson made two starts at the end of last season, and his performances were a mixed bag. In the regular season finale against Virginia, Watson delivered a clutch performance: 14-of-21 passing for 254 yards and a touchdown, plus 48 rushing yards and another score. That game displayed his athletic upside and poise in a high-pressure rivalry matchup.
However, his next appearance came in the Duke’s Mayo Bowl against Minnesota, where he looked far less comfortable. In limited action, he went 8-for-12 for 81 yards, throwing one interception and struggling to command the offense as effectively. While not disastrous, it did show that Watson may still be developing the consistency required for a full-time backup role.
In contrast, Rangel brings a steadier hand. Though he hasn’t been a high-profile starter, his time in other programs and familiarity with Montgomery’s scheme could give him a leg up in understanding the system. He doesn’t need to wow anyone in August. He simply needs to be ready, should the injury bug bite again.
Young Talent in Waiting: Brand, Ryan, and the Exit of Davi Belfort
While the competition between Watson and Rangel is the current focus, the long-term quarterback outlook for Virginia Tech is equally important. The Hokies welcomed Brand and Ryan, two promising young signal-callers who enrolled early in January to get a jump on their development. Their decision to enroll early signals their intent to compete seriously in the future.
However, expecting either of them to contribute in 2025 would be a reach. True freshmen starting at quarterback in the Power Five ranks is rare, and often not ideal unless forced by injury or circumstance. In Virginia Tech’s case, the plan is to develop them slowly, giving them a full season (or more) to adjust to the speed and complexity of college football.
This slow-burn approach also comes in the wake of redshirt freshman Davi Belfort’s departure. Belfort, once a highly touted recruit, chose to transfer after spring practice. The writing may have been on the wall as the quarterback room filled up and his path to the field became increasingly unclear.
Belfort’s exit freed up a roster spot and created the very opening that made room for Rangel. Though not necessarily connected events, they reflect the fluid nature of roster management in the transfer portal era, where timing, perception, and opportunity all play massive roles.
Strategic Depth: The Rationale Behind Adding Rangel
It’s fair to wonder: Does adding Rangel signal a lack of faith in Watson? That’s certainly a possibility. Coaches rarely admit such things outright, but actions often speak louder than words. If the coaching staff were 100% confident in Watson’s readiness, the push to bring in another arm with experience might not have been as urgent.
However, the more charitable—and likely more accurate—interpretation is that Virginia Tech is simply covering its bases. Injuries to quarterbacks can derail entire seasons, and few teams can afford to be caught short-handed. With Drones having missed time in 2024 and undergoing a medical procedure, bolstering the QB room with a savvy veteran makes smart football sense.
Furthermore, Rangel’s arrival is less about replacing someone and more about adding competition and stabilizing the room. He gives Montgomery a quarterback who already understands the playbook’s core concepts, lessening the learning curve. He offers a potential mentor figure to the younger players while still being ready to step into the spotlight if needed.
Pry’s Philosophy: Incremental Progress Through Depth and Fit
Head coach Brent Pry is entering a critical stage in his tenure. After several seasons of fluctuating performances, the 2025 campaign is seen by many fans and analysts as a make-or-break year. While no one expects Virginia Tech to return to early-2000s dominance overnight, Pry has made clear that he envisions this program as a consistent contender in the ACC, one that emphasizes toughness, physicality, and smart, layered roster building.
Pry’s willingness to reshape the quarterback room through portal additions like Rangel—and prior acquisitions like Drones—reflects this pragmatic approach. He’s not banking solely on blue-chip recruits or long-term development. He’s building a room that balances youth, experience, and scheme fit.
The addition of Rangel also comes as part of a broader roster overhaul. In the spring portal window alone, the Hokies added 11 new players, capping off a two-period transfer haul that brought 30 new faces to Blacksburg (19 from the winter window). That level of change is significant and speaks to Pry’s aggressive stance on reshaping the program quickly.
Looking Ahead: What’s the Ceiling for the 2025 QB Room?
Heading into fall camp, the best-case scenario for Virginia Tech is clear: Drones returns fully healthy, plays all season, and builds on his potential to become one of the top quarterbacks in the conference. That alone would make the addition of Rangel worth it, as simply having another capable backup is a win.
If Drones misses time, the Hokies will have to turn to either Rangel or Watson. In either case, the coaching staff will have decisions to make based on matchup, health, and recent performance. Ideally, competition in August will yield a clear pecking order.
For Rangel, this is both a new chapter and a potential launching pad. If he plays, it’s a chance to resurrect his college career and possibly showcase his abilities for a shot at the next level or further opportunities down the line. If he doesn’t, he still adds value through preparation, practice reps, and leadership.
For Watson, it’s an opportunity to rise to the challenge and prove he belongs. Even if he loses the backup job in the short term, continued development and patience could still pay off. Remember, many quarterbacks don’t hit their stride until their third or fourth year in college.
For Brand and Ryan, 2025 is a year to learn, grow, and adapt. They will likely redshirt, but every rep in practice, every meeting, and every film session will matter in their development trajectory.
Final Thoughts: QB Stability as the Cornerstone of Hokie Hopes
Quarterback play has long been the great differentiator in college football. Programs that manage to pair elite quarterback play with organizational stability are the ones that thrive in the modern game. Virginia Tech knows this. It’s why they continue to evolve their approach to the position, blending recruiting, development, and transfer strategy.
The addition of Rangel might not make headlines nationally, but in the context of Virginia Tech’s 2025 ambitions, it’s a smart, calculated move. It reflects a staff that understands the realities of the modern game and isn’t afraid to make bold decisions to improve its odds.
As fall approaches, all eyes will be on Drones’ health, Watson’s progression, and Rangel’s readiness. And if Virginia Tech can finally stabilize its quarterback situation, the foundation for a return to prominence may finally be in place.
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