In a significant development for college football in Virginia, both the University of Virginia (UVA) and Virginia Tech have secured their likely starting quarterbacks for the upcoming season, both of whom are former teammates at Penn State. Beau Pribula and Ethan Grunkemeyer bring with them promising potential as they transition to their new teams, adding an intriguing narrative to the longstanding rivalry showcased in the Commonwealth Cup on November 28, 2026.
The transfer portal has played a pivotal role in reshaping college rosters, and these acquisitions highlight the commitment of both institutions to enhancing their football programs. With some quarterbacks in the Power Four conferences demanding compensation exceeding $2 million, the arrivals of Pribula and Grunkemeyer underscore a serious investment in football at both UVA and Virginia Tech.
Pribula’s Journey to UVA
Pribula, a redshirt sophomore, previously played for the Missouri Tigers after serving as a backup to Drew Allar on the 2024 Penn State Nittany Lions squad that reached the College Football Playoff semifinals. He arrives at UVA with one year of eligibility remaining and a track record that includes 11 touchdown passes and six rushing touchdowns during the 2025 season, despite throwing nine interceptions across ten games.
His performance at Missouri showcased his dual-threat capabilities, notably achieving a career-high of 334 passing yards and three touchdowns in a game against Kansas. Pribula helped the Tigers secure a 7-3 record during his tenure as a starter, with narrow losses to formidable opponents like Alabama and Oklahoma. He also displayed resilience after suffering a dislocated left ankle, returning to lead his team in critical matchups.
Virginia’s coaching staff had been closely monitoring Pribula’s progress at Missouri, particularly as they prepared for their Gator Bowl matchup against the Tigers. His familiarity with offensive coordinator Des Kitchings—who previously worked with Pribula during his time at NC State—could provide a seamless transition into the Cavaliers’ offensive scheme.
Grunkemeyer Takes the Helm at Virginia Tech
Meanwhile, Grunkemeyer heads to Virginia Tech with three years of eligibility left and a strong understanding of the offensive system he will be stepping into. Having been coached by new Hokies quarterbacks coach Danny O’Brien at Penn State, Grunkemeyer is well-versed in the strategies that will be implemented this upcoming season.
Initially serving as a backup, Grunkemeyer was thrust into the starting role after Allar’s injury in October 2025. His performance in that capacity was marked by challenges against top-tier teams, yet he showed promise in a critical game against Indiana, where he threw for 219 yards and a touchdown. Notably, he completed 77.6% of his passes in the final stretch of the season, setting a potential school record for accuracy.
Grunkemeyer’s standout performance came at the Pinstripe Bowl, where he threw for 260 yards and two touchdowns against Clemson, demonstrating his ability to deliver under pressure. As he transitions to the Hokies, his success will rely heavily on improving the team’s offensive line, which has struggled in recent seasons.
Both programs are also looking to bolster their quarterback depth through additional transfers. Virginia Tech has recently signed Bryce Baker from North Carolina, while UVA added former Pitt starter Eli Holstein.
As both teams prepare for the upcoming season, the integration of Pribula and Grunkemeyer into their respective offenses signals a renewed focus on competitive football in Virginia. The stakes will be high as they aim to exceed .500 records and make a mark in the Commonwealth Cup, reigniting the excitement for both fan bases.
