Virginia Tech quarterback Kyron Drones has been named to the preseason watch list for the Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award. The announcement comes as the Virginia Tech football team prepares to open its 2025 season against South Carolina in Atlanta, with just nine days remaining until kickoff.
Drones, who returns healthy this season, is among 58 quarterbacks included on the national list. The Virginia Tech Football official account commented on Drones’ selection by stating, “Look who’s golden arm is getting national notice Kyron Drones is on the Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award Watch List #ThisIsHome | #TeamOverMe pic.twitter.com/chWUns8OJk“— Virginia Tech Football (@HokiesFB) August 21, 2025.
In other news related to college football and upcoming opponents, it was reported that Vanderbilt quarterback Diego Pavia will earn more than $2 million through name, image and likeness opportunities this fall. Pavia previously played for New Mexico State where he passed for over 2,000 yards and rushed for more than 800 yards last season. He played a significant role in wins over Virginia Tech, Georgia Tech and Alabama.
The Southeastern Conference announced an expansion of its conference football schedule from eight games to nine starting with the 2026 season. SEC Commissioner Greg Sankey said, “Adding a ninth SEC game underscores our universities’ commitment to delivering the most competitive football schedule in the nation (…) This format protects rivalries, increases competitive balance, and paired with our requirement to play an additional Power opponent, ensures SEC teams are well prepared to compete and succeed in the College Football Playoff.” Beginning next fall, each SEC team will play three annual opponents while the six other games will rotate among remaining schools so that every team faces all others at least once every two years.
There has been no word yet about any similar changes from other conferences such as the ACC.
