Is Virginia Tech QB Kyron Drones a Heisman Contender?

As the 2024 season approaches, the Virginia Tech Hokies are entering with high expectations, and even greater ones rest on the shoulders of returning quarterback Kyron Drones.

The Hokies, who are considered by some to be favorites to win the ACC, have momentum on their side after finishing the previous season 7-6, capped by a strong two-game winning streak, including a dominant 55-17 victory over Virginia and a 41-20 win over Tulane in the Military Bowl.

At the heart of the Hokies’ offense is Drones, a redshirt junior who transferred from Baylor before last season. In his first year at Virginia Tech, he completed 58.2% of his passes, throwing for 2,085 yards and 17 touchdowns, with just three interceptions. Drones ranked 10th in the ACC in completion percentage and eighth in passing yards.

Like standout quarterbacks before him, such as Tyrod Taylor, Hendon Hooker, and Michael Vick, Drones provides a dual-threat presence that adds a dynamic element to the Hokies’ offense. In 2023, he rushed for 818 yards and five touchdowns, averaging 4.9 yards per carry, making him a lethal weapon when escaping the pocket.

Supporting Drones in the backfield is running back Bhayshul Tuten, along with a talented trio of wide receivers: Ali Jennings, Da’Quan Felton, and Jaylin Lane. Felton hauled in eight touchdowns last season, ranking third in the ACC, while Jennings made an impact in just two games, catching five passes after transferring from Old Dominion. Lane also contributed significantly, catching six touchdowns and finishing in the top 10 in the ACC in receptions, receiving yards, and receiving touchdowns.

With a full season from Jennings, combined with an entire offseason to build chemistry with Felton, Lane, and the rest of the Virginia Tech receiving corps, Drones could be poised for an explosive year. Tuten, who was the only Hokie to rush for more yards than Drones last season, is also expected to take a step forward with a full offseason under his belt. He caught 27 passes for 239 yards and two touchdowns, and his 14 total touchdowns were good for third in the ACC.

If the Hokies are to contend for the ACC title, Drones will need to build on his successful debut season at Virginia Tech. And if they have aspirations of making the College Football Playoff, Drones will need to elevate his game further, potentially becoming the first Hokie to win the Heisman Trophy.