Virginia Tech starting quarterback Kyron Drones joins Adam Breneman on Next Up for an in-depth conversation about his journey from Texas high school football to leading the Hokies. Growing up in Pearland, Texas, Drones won a state championship with his dad as head coach, a moment that solidified his love for the game. 

After beginning his college career at Baylor and learning patience through a redshirt season, he transferred to Virginia Tech, where he quickly earned the starting job and began shaping the team’s identity.

In this episode, Drones opens up about how he knew Virginia Tech was the right fit, what he learned from his first start, and how he’s battled through adversity, injuries, and outside noise. He shares how he balances being a playmaker with making smart decisions, the ways he’s grown as a leader, and the brotherhood that’s fueling the Hokies this season. Drones also talks about life off the field—from his approach to NIL opportunities and investing in real estate, to his commitment to mental health and the unwavering support of his family.

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CHAPTERS:

0:00 - Intro

1:33 - Transferring to Virginia Tech

3:26 - Growing up in Pearland, Texas

5:22 - Realizing Kyron was D1 bound

6:21 - Why Baylor out of high school

8:04 - Welcome to College Football moment 

9:07 - Redshirting at Baylor

10:44 - First impression of Coach Pry

11:14 - First start at Virginia Tech

13:16 - Where Kyron’s toughness comes from

14:10 - Offseason improvements

15:56 - Kyron’s definition of leadership

17:20 - Winning games through the air and not running

18:49 - Best Coach Pry story 

19:51 - Fall camp so far at Virginia Tech

20:43 - What makes Virginia Tech special

21:44 - Overcoming adversity

22:59 - Blocking out the outside noise 

24:48 - Advice to 18-year-old Kyron

25:17 - Best advice a coach ever gave Kyron

25:43 - Family

26:57 - What the world doesn’t know about Kyron Drones

27:47 - Kyron as a teammate and leader

28:15 - How Kyron has changed in college

29:08 - Measuring success in 2025

29:33 - NIL as starting QB at Virginia Tech

32:46 - Goals for Virginia Tech in 2025

33:28 - Weekly routine

34:20 - Kyron’s why

On Next Up, college football analyst Adam Breneman sits down with the most influential names in college sports and lets them tell their stories unfiltered, direct to the fans. 

Next Up is a Front Office Sports Network show featuring candid, open, and honest conversations with the most impactful figures in college sports including head coaches, athletes, athletic directors, commissioners, entrepreneurs, media personalities, agents, and executives shaping the business of college sports. 

Adam is a former All-American, Penn State alum and media personality. Front Office Sports is the leading multi-platform media and news organization covering the intersection of sports, business and culture.