The Hokies seemed to have a quarterback in place when Kyron Drones and Pop Watson announced their plans to stay at Virginia Tech following the 2024 season. Furthermore, two gifted dual-threat quarterbacks, A.J. Brand and Kelden Ryan, committed to the Hokies after enrolling in January.
But on Wednesday, former Oklahoma State quarterback Garret Rangel shocked everyone by committing to Virginia Tech. From Frisco, Texas, the 6-foot-2, 205-pound Rangel was born. Rangel, a former four-star prospect, redshirted in his first season (2022) and played for the Cowboys for three seasons.
Here is a look at Rangel’s annual performance:
- 2022: 4 games, 711 yards of passing, 4 touchdowns, 5 interceptions, and 59/115 (51.3%)
- 2023: 172 passing yards, two touchdowns, one interception, five games played, 17/32 (53.1%)
- 2024: 192 passing yards, two touchdowns, one interception, 17/33 (51.5%), four games played
After spring practice, Rangel went through the transfer portal. He previously had a relationship with Philip Montgomery, the offensive coordinator at Virginia Tech, who recruited him when he was head coach at Tulsa.
What role does Rangel play in Virginia Tech’s 2025 ambitions, then? He didn’t have a starting contract. As long as he is healthy, Drones is the clear starter. Drones recently had a medical operation after battling multiple injuries over the previous season. According to head coach Brent Pry, he will be prepared for fall camp with plenty of time.
Watson will compete with Rangel for the backup position. Both of Watson’s career starts occurred in the last two games of the previous campaign. He completed 14 of 21 throws for 254 yards and one score in the regular-season finale against Virginia, demonstrating his exceptional play. In addition, he ran for a touchdown and 48 yards. In the Duke’s Mayo Bowl, Watson also began against Minnesota and completed eight of 12 passes for 81 yards and one interception.
For Brand and Ryan to play as true freshmen would be asking for too much, even though they enrolled in January. Following spring practice, Davi Belfort, a redshirt freshman, transferred.
Could the addition of another quarterback indicate that the Hokies don’t trust Watson? Maybe, but it makes more logical to have an experienced hand in the room when your quarterback is dealing with a lot of injuries. Rangel should be Drones’ insurance.
In addition to the 19 players that committed during the winter portal window, the Hokies concluded the spring portal window with 11 fresh arrivals, including Rangel, capping off a hectic week.