Hokie ClubBLACKSBURG – Virginia Tech football Head Coach James Franklin took to the lectern Monday afternoon to meet with the media as his football program heads into Week One of the 2026 season. The Hokies enter September looking to sustain momentum from a successful Fall Camp as they prepare for Saturday night's meeting with VMI in Lane Stadium in primetime.
Head Coach James Franklin
Opening statement:
"Ethan Grunkemeyer will be our starting quarterback for the VMI game. We're not in a position to announce a backup quarterback ... We are going to leave that competition going throughout the week to determine who will be the backup quarterback in the game because it's been that close. Looking forward to the opportunity again, and getting out there and competing against another opponent. I've been very pleased and impressed with all of the progress that we've made in a short period of time and looking forward to meeting (VMI Head Coach) Ingram."
On how Grunkemeyer has seperated himself to be named the starting quarterback:
“I think he has been the leader in the clubhouse for a number of practices and maybe weeks. But I don't think it was a forgone conclusion that this was going to happen or would have told (the media) and made an announcement. It's been a real competitive room. With him, I think he's got his teammates' respect. I think there is a level of consistency and maturity that he has shown to give the coaches and his teammates trust. Obviously, as you guys know, we also think his game experience is valuable and his ability to distribute the ball, and decision making, those things are big. He's worked really hard on getting stronger and getting more explosive and I think he has the ability to still be a threat in the running game or a guy that can extend plays. His daily approach, I think he lives the position the right way, he approaches the position the right way, and I think our coaches and his teammates have a ton of confidence in him based on his approach and consistency."