Grunkemeyer Named to Davey O'Brien QB Class

Virginia Tech quarterback Ethan Grunkemeyer earns a spot on the Davey O'Brien Quarterback Class of 2026 as his passing numbers rank among the nation's best.

Updated on Nov. 11, 2026 in Football

Grunkemeyer Named to Davey O'Brien QB Class

Virginia Tech quarterback Ethan Grunkemeyer was named to the Davey O'Brien QB Class of 2026. He has thrown for 2,431 yards this season and ranks 13th nationally and third in the ACC in passing yards.

Why it matters

The honor recognizes one of the most productive passing seasons in the Hokies' recent history. Grunkemeyer is on pace to become Virginia Tech's first 3,000-yard passer in a season since 2016.

Grunkemeyer has 215 completions, tied for fifth nationally, and leads all ACC quarterbacks in completions. He is responsible for 148 points this season, ranking 18th nationally and fifth among ACC players.

The players

Ethan Grunkemeyer

Ethan Grunkemeyer is the Virginia Tech quarterback from Lewis Center, Ohio, whose passing numbers this season have placed him among the nation's leading signal-callers.

Davey O'Brien Award

The Davey O'Brien Award is an annual honor presented to the nation's top college quarterback, named after the Texas Christian University quarterback who won the Heisman Trophy in 1938.

The details

The Davey O'Brien Award recognizes the nation's top quarterback, and Grunkemeyer was named to its 2026 class based on his play this season. The Lewis Center, Ohio, native has been the central figure in Virginia Tech's passing attack throughout the year.

2016: Jerod Evans threw for 3,546 yards, Virginia Tech's last 3,000-yard passing season.
This season: Grunkemeyer's passing and completion totals accumulated across the Hokies' schedule.

Season Trajectory

Grunkemeyer's pace puts him on track to be the first Virginia Tech passer to reach 3,000 yards in a season since Jerod Evans in 2016. His numbers keep the Hokies' passing game among the ACC's most productive units.

Grunkemeyer's ranking among ACC passers affects fantasy and betting interest in Virginia Tech's offense. His completion and yardage totals are the numbers to watch as the Hokies' season continues.

The takeaway

Grunkemeyer's efficiency, with a 71.7% completion rate and 23.9 completions per game, shows how a quarterback can drive a passing offense without relying on volume alone. Readers following the ACC race should track whether his pace holds through the rest of the season.