December 18, 2021Updated 8:34 PM EST
Braxton Burmeister, who started 12 games at quarterback for Virginia Tech this year, intends to enter the transfer portal, a source told The Athletic. A junior with one year of eligibility remaining, Burmeister felt an urgency to get his name into the portal now as a midyear transfer, a source said, particularly given the number of quarterbacks already locking down spots at new schools.
He still wanted to play in the Pinstripe Bowl but was told no by Virginia Tech’s administration, a source said. Players who are in the portal are allowed to still play for their team under NCAA rules.
His departure leaves the Hokies with just two scholarship quarterbacks for the Pinstripe Bowl against Maryland: junior Connor Blumrick and freshman Tahj Bullock. Another backup, Knox Kadum, entered the portal earlier this month.
Burmeister had a hit-or-miss season, completing 55 percent of his passes for 1,960 yards and 13 touchdowns with four interceptions. He added 508 rushing yards and two touchdowns, showcasing his athletic ability on the move.
But the offense struggled at times with him behind center, with his accuracy often being an issue. He also had a hard time staying healthy, with nagging injuries bothering him for much of the year, having to leave for stretches of four games, including nearly the entirety of the Boston College loss after being tackled awkwardly on the ball.
Still, he had one of his best games in Virginia Tech’s 29-24 bowl-clinching win against Virginia late last month, throwing for 141 yards and a touchdown, rushing for 115 yards and catching a pass for a touchdown from receiver Tayvion Robinson on a Philly Special play.
This will be the second time Burmeister has transferred. He began his career at Oregon before joining the Hokies in the winter of 2019, sitting out that season before appearing in seven games and starting four in 2020, when he threw for 687 yards and two touchdowns, plus a rushing touchdown. He emerged as the starter at the end of the season, rising up to be the unchallenged starter last winter after Hendon Hooker transferred to Tennessee.
(Photo: Mark Brown / Getty Images)
What does Burmeister’s departure mean for the Hokies?
Where will Virginia Tech look for another QB?
