yahoo
When Ethan Grunkemeyer and Luke Reynolds joined Virginia Tech shortly after James Franklin became head coach, they were considered two of the top players at their positions in the transfer portal. The pair had spent two seasons together at Penn State, where they built a close friendship both on and off the field. Now, nine games into their first season with the Hokies, both are earning national recognition.
This week, Grunkemeyer was named one of 30 official candidates for the 2026 Davey O'Brien National Quarterback Award. The award, presented annually by the Davey O'Brien Foundation, honors the nation's top quarterback. O'Brien, a former Heisman Trophy winner, played quarterback for TCU from 1936 to 1938, and the award was established in 1981.
The 6-foot-2 redshirt sophomore has completed 71.7% of his passes (215 of 300) for 2,431 yards, with 18 touchdowns and only three interceptions. He has also rushed for six touchdowns.
Reynolds, a 6-foot-4, 250-pound junior from Cheshire, Connecticut, has caught 56 passes for 560 yards and six touchdowns. He is widely regarded as one of the best tight ends in college football and was named a semifinalist for the John Mackey Award, given annually to the top tight end in the country. Mackey, a Pro Football Hall of Famer, played collegiately at Syracuse before a standout 10-year NFL career.
The 6-3 Hokies return to action on Saturday night, hosting Stanford at Lane Stadium.
Key Analysis
The recognition for Grunkemeyer and Reynolds highlights the immediate impact both transfers have had on Virginia Tech's offense. Grunkemeyer's efficiency and ball security, along with Reynolds's production and blocking, have been key factors in the Hokies' success. Their national honors reflect not only their individual talent but also the effectiveness of the coaching staff in integrating them into the system.
Originally reported by yahoo.