Adam Rittenberg, senior writer for ESPN
Virginia Tech has strengthened its quarterback room for the 2025 season with a starter Kyron Drones the team announced Friday that it will return along with reserve William “Pop” Watson III.
Drones, who started all nine games he played in but missed three with a foot injury, led Virginia Tech with 1,562 passing yards and 10 touchdowns, along with six interceptions. The redshirt junior from Houston finished second on the team in rushing (336 yards), rushing touchdowns (6) and carries (98).
Drone Strike x Bomb 💥@KyronDrones & @The future of World War III they are both coming back next year 😎#ThisisHome pic.twitter.com/PVqja0nXOE
— Virginia Tech Football (@HokiesFB) December 13, 2024
If he entered the transfer portal, he would be among the most desirable quarterbacks.
Watson, a redshirt freshman from Massachusetts, was the only starter against Virginia and helped Virginia Tech qualify for the bowl game and extend its winning streak to the Commonwealth Cup with 254 passing yards and a touchdown. He appeared in four games for the Hokies this fall, finishing with 400 yards passing, a touchdown and an interception.
Watson played for both the Drones and Collin Schleewho started three games but was injured in the loss to Duke.
The announcements come a day after Virginia Tech made several changes to its coaching staff, including its offensive line coach. The Hokies finished 91st in the nation in most sacks allowed.
Virginia Tech, which finished the regular season with a disappointing 6-6 record, will face Minnesota on Jan. 3 in Duke’s Mayo Bowl.
