Welcome to The Pop Watson Experience
Virginia Tech's redshirt freshman quarterback put on an electric performance against Virginia, cementing himself in the conversation for QB1 next season.
Last November, I penned a column marking Kyron Drones as the quarterback of the present, as well as the future.
That future came to a close on Saturday night.
With Drones and Collin Schlee both injured, redshirt freshman Pop Watson led Virginia Tech to its 19th win over Virginia in 20 years and inserted himself as the odds-on favorite to start for the Hokies in 2025.
Watson stirred the pot in all the right ways on Saturday night. He avoided mistakes and protected the football while also taking chances in the right spots. He connected on two deep throws against the ‘Hoos, an element missing from Virginia Tech’s offense for much of the season.
His athleticism and escapability negated Virginia’s pass rush. He showed better command of the offense than he did last week, when he was thrust into the fire against Duke with little preparation.
When the final whistle blew, Watson had completed 66 percent of his passes, compiled 302 total yards, and scored three total touchdowns.
It’s important to remember that the Virginia Cavaliers have struggled defensively for a good chunk of the year, but Watson’s performance should not be overlooked or understated. He’s taken significant first-team reps in just one week of practice, yet seems completely in control of what’s happening on the field.
I’ve long doubted Watson’s future. Not many 5-foot-11 quarterbacks can make it at the Power 4 level and he looked overwhelmed and incapable in this April’s Spring Game.
But when the lights came on, Watson shined brightest. In doing so, he made a compelling case to be Virginia Tech’s starting quarterback in 2025.
Collin Schlee has played his final college snap, but Kyron Drones has another year if he wants it. After a subpar season by any metric, Drones will almost certainly use next season as a chance to rebuild his stock at the next level.
But where will he do it?
What incentive does Brent Pry have in continuing to start Drones? He’s been the unquestioned starter for more than a calendar year and has made little to no progress as a passer.
If Drones had been playing well before getting injured, maybe this is a different column. We all know that hasn’t been the case. Drones’ time as the quarterback of the present, and future, has to end.
Pop Watson will have interest from other programs this winter. His play on Saturday night guaranteed him options. But his best option might just be staying right where he is.
Brent Pry has to make that case. Everyone got a sneak peek at The Pop Watson Experience on Saturday night, and there’s no doubt that the show will be in high demand.
Watson has three years of eligibility remaining. Should he stay in Blacksburg, Watson will likely head into his sophomore season as the quarterback of the present, and the future.
If Watson leaves…well, let’s not entertain that for now.
Ricky, Your article nailed it. For Virginia Tech to move to the next level of dominance in the ACC it must recruit and reward players that select Virginia Tech as their number one choice. Pop demonstrated a significant improvement with his performance at QB for VT. I was amazed at his moves to avoid tackles and keep the offense on the field. He truly displayed on what I had hoped our current QB would have evolved into this year.