When Penn State’s starting quarterback, Drew Allar, was sidelined for the season, Ethan Grunkemeyer stepped up and showcased his talent. He seized the starting role after a rocky 3-3 start and the midseason dismissal of coach James Franklin, leading the Nittany Lions to four straight wins and setting a program record with a 69.1% completion rate.
As the transfer portal opened, Grunkemeyer reportedly considered transferring to Blacksburg to reunite with Franklin, who had since become the head coach at Virginia Tech. As the Jan. 16 portal closing approached, Franklin made his first quarterback move at Virginia Tech by securing former North Carolina QB Bryce Baker.
With Baker on board, Grunkemeyer now faced a decision about his next step as an incoming sophomore.
Virginia Tech Snares UNC Transfer QB Bryce Baker While Waiting for Ethan Grunkemeyer
Once installed as head coach at Virginia Tech, James Franklin aimed to quickly transform the program, motivated by the need to reestablish his reputation after being let go from Penn State. He pursued former Top 15 quarterback prospect Bryce Baker, believing Baker could provide immediate skill and potential leadership after redshirting at North Carolina during the 2025 season.
Baker’s commitment to Virginia Tech came as he saw an opportunity to work under Franklin and quarterbacks coach Danny O’Brien, who had previously recruited him to Penn State and built trust during a late-season visit.
Despite initially choosing to sign with Bill Belichick’s North Carolina Tar Heels for the 2025 college football season and spending a year redshirting, Baker’s move to Virginia Tech represented a chance to gain playing time and contribute more significantly under familiar coaches.
Ranked as the No. 24 quarterback in the transfer portal, Baker will compete for the starting role alongside Kelden Ryan and A.J. Brand for the 2026 season. However, if Grunkemeyer chooses to join Virginia Tech, the competition dynamic could shift.
MORE: Report: James Franklin Set to Reunite With 1,348-YD Quarterback at Virginia Tech
The 6’3″ Baker will hook up with Virginia Tech offensive coordinator Ty Howle, who has been mandated to rebuild the Hokies’ roster from the ground up. He is deemed to be healthy moving forward, as he was a reserve quarterback at Chapel Hill and did not record a snap being the fourth option on Belichick’s depth chart.
This move was particularly urgent for the Hokies, given that Kyron Drones had exhausted his eligibility, William Watson III entered the transfer portal, and backup QB Garret Rangel left the program after one season.
Ball Now Rests On Still Undecided Ethan Grunkemeyer
Reports earlier in the week noted Virginia Tech’s interest in Grunkemeyer, especially given his experience with Franklin. He showed promise, starting the last seven games and leading Penn State to a 4-3 finish after Franklin was released.
The talent was there for the 6’2″ quarterback, who completed 123 of 178 pass attempts for 1,339 yards, with eight touchdowns and four interceptions.
He had a rushing touchdown last season but came up with -46 rushing yards due to his negative-yardage performances against Ohio State, Indiana, Rutgers, and Clemson in the Pinstripe Bowl.
Grunkemeyer now has a chance to increase his passing and rushing yardage if he commits to Virginia Tech and reunites with Franklin. However, with Baker also on the roster, his path to a guaranteed starting spot isn’t quite so straightforward.
The portal does not close for joining a new team Jan16. It just closes for entering the portal.