This quarterback is not just another player in the roster of Virginia Tech Hokies. He has a record of turning the game upside-down, and fans can’t stop buzzing about him. Control, charisma, and clutch moments? He’s got them all covered. But as his moments were building, something unexpected stirred the water. No highlight reel and no game drama. Just a wave of talks and a lot of whispers about “what now?” But before that, any guesses who this prized quarterback might be? 

CFB insider Brett McMurphy shared an insight on QB Kyron Drones. McMurphy posted, “Virginia Tech QB Kyron Drones will sit out remainder of spring practice to undergo minor medical procedure.” Drones started nine games in 2024 as a senior. The 6-2, 222lb QB is not new to getting benched for injuries. threw for 1,562 yards and 10 TDs. However, the injury gods weren’t so kind to him, as an MCL injury, a stress fracture, and turf toe at the end of the year held him out of four of the final five contests. Now, right before the spring game, he’s again down. Virginia Tech HC Brent Pry said, “Kyron has demonstrated excellent leadership & has had an outstanding winter & spring. We fully anticipate he will be ready to return for summer workouts.”

If you have been following the Hokies, you’d know their 2022 season ended with an overall of 3-8. However, a few changes, like making the then sophomore Drones the QB1, shot up the scores to 7-6 in 2023. He replaced Grant Wells, as he suffered an injury in the second week of the 2023 season. Since then, he has made a total of around 3,866 yards. Hence, not having him for spring practice might be a setback for the Hokies as the ACC gets crueler with every passing day. His health will also be paramount for the team this fall as the Hokies are expected to play several young players on offense around the fifth-year quarterback. 

He’s not just any ‘good’ quarterback, but an absolute beast, enough to make history. On October 26, 2024, the Virginia Tech QB achieved a rare feat by scoring a three-way touchdown – by passing, rushing, and receiving – against Georgia Tech, including catching a 6-yard touchdown pass. This made him the first player in the history of Virginia Tech to accomplish the feat. He also became the first player since 2000 to score in three different ways. Drones is also a treat to the media, showcasing training sessions and pre and post-game activities, which can land him with exceptional NIL deals and endorsements. 

Virginia Tech Hokies’ summer game plan

While it’s good news that he would be ready for the summer workouts. But this also puts up a major question on how the next weekend with the spring game would go with the other quarterbacks getting more snaps. The Hokies’ spring game is just a week away in Lane Stadium, with four practices remaining on Saturday. Drones seemed healthy and ready for resuming activities at the start of the spring practice, but now UCLA transfer Collin Schlee and William “Pop” Watson III have taken his vacant spot. 

Drones and Watson have a shared history. It was also announced in December that both Drones and Watson are returning to Blacksburg for the 2025 season. However, after going through some workouts, Drones was held out from the last couple of practices, which raised some eyebrows. And here we go with the surgery update on Drones. 

With the sidelining of Drones, backup quarterback Watson, standing at 5’11” and weighing 190 lbs, would have to take up a more prominent role along with Davi Belfort. And the two incoming freshmen quarterbacks in the class of 2025, Kelden Ryan and A.J. Brand, would see more snaps. You might be wondering that this may be a minor thing. But press pause. This might open up stances for the young QBs to showcase their skills, bringing them into the limelight. 

So, while Drones is stepping back for a moment to heal, the spotlight is shifting from him. We can feel that the quarterback room of Hokies is buzzing, and fans are eyeing every snap, every chance, and every throw. Because if there’s just one thing we know about college football, it’s that even a minor update can end up in a major turning point. Now the question remains: Who is ready to rise?