Virginia Tech quarterback Ethan Grunkemeyer and tight end Luke Reynolds arrived in Blacksburg shortly after James Franklin took over as head coach. They were viewed as two of the better players at their positions in the transfer portal. After two seasons together at Penn State, they also developed a close friendship—on and off the field.
Nine games into their first season with the Hokies, Grunkemeyer and Reynolds are earning some national recognition. This week, Grunkemeyer was named one of 30 official
candidates for the 2026 Davey O’Brien National Quarterback Award. The Davey O’Brien Award is given annually by the Davey O’Brien Foundation to the nation’s top quarterback. O’Brien, a former Heisman Trophy winner, played quarterback for TCU from 1936-38. The Davey O’Brien quarterback award began in 1981.
The 6-foot-2 redshirt sophomore has completed 71.7% (215-300) of his passes for 2,431 yards, with 18 touchdowns and only three interceptions. He’s also rushed for six touchdowns.
Reynolds, a 6-foot-4, 250-pound junior from Cheshire, Conn., has caught 56 passes for 560 yards and six touchdowns. He’s arguably the best tight end in college football.
Reynolds was named a semifinalist for the John Mackey Award, given every year to the best tight end in college football. Mackey, a member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame, played collegiately at Syracuse before a standout 10-year NFL career.
The 6-3 Hokies are back in action Saturday night, hosting Stanford at Lane Stadium.
