Virginia Tech football: James Franklin reveals big position change
One young quarterback is now a receiver.
Sep 20, 2025; Blacksburg, Virginia, USA; Virginia Tech Hokies defensive lineman Kemari Copeland (13), quarterback A. J. Brand (18) and wide receiver Ayden Greene (0) run onto the field before the game against The Wofford Terriers at Lane Stadium.
Mandatory Credit: Brian Bishop-Imagn Images | Brian Bishop-Imagn Images The Virginia Tech Hokies opened spring practice last week. For the first time in a while, the Hokies opened spring with stability and depth at the quarterback position. While it’s a young room, projected starter Ethan Grunkemeyer has valuable starting experience at Penn State, and his backups bring plenty of youth and athleticism.
The Hokies currently have five quarterbacks on the spring roster. There were rumors last season and throughout the offseason of a potential position change for one of those young passers: redshirt freshman A. J.
Brand. On Tuesday, Franklin made it official. Brand is switching positions, moving to wide receiver.