Virginia Names Beau Pribula Starting Quarterback Ahead of NC State Opener

NC State now knows who will be under center when it opens the 2026 season.

Virginia announced that Missouri transfer Beau Pribula has won the Cavaliers’ starting quarterback job, beating out Pitt transfer Eli Holstein ahead of the Aug. 29 season opener against the Wolfpack in Charlottesville.

The decision means NC State’s defense will be tasked with slowing down an experienced Power 4 dual-threat quarterback in Week 1.

Productive Season at Missouri

Pribula transferred to Missouri last offseason and started all 10 games he appeared in during 2025.

He completed nearly 68 percent of his passes while also making an impact as a runner.

2025 Statistics

His 76.1 Pro Football Focus grade was tied for the fifth-highest mark on Missouri’s offense.

Proven Dual-Threat Ability

Pribula’s athleticism has been one of his biggest strengths throughout his collegiate career.

While his passing numbers at Missouri were solid, he also added nearly 300 rushing yards and six rushing touchdowns, giving defenses another dimension to account for.

His mobility will present an early challenge for an NC State defense looking to start the season on a strong note.

Productive Career at Penn State

Before transferring to Missouri, Pribula spent three seasons at Penn State.

After redshirting in 2022, he appeared in 24 games as a reserve and consistently made the most of his opportunities.

Penn State Career

66.1% completion percentage
424 passing yards
9 passing touchdowns
1 interception
571 rushing yards
10 rushing touchdowns
6.1 yards per carry

Although he never claimed the full-time starting job in Happy Valley, Pribula established himself as an efficient passer and dangerous runner whenever he entered the game.

Highly Regarded Recruit

Pribula entered college with significant expectations.

ESPN rated him as a four-star prospect and the No. 8 dual-threat quarterback in the 2022 recruiting class.

After developing at Penn State and gaining starting experience in the SEC at Missouri, he now enters his first season at Virginia with considerable experience against Power Four competition.

What It Means for NC State

The Wolfpack will open the season against a quarterback who has played meaningful football in both the Big Ten and SEC before arriving in the ACC.

Pribula’s ability to extend plays with his legs may be just as important as his arm, making discipline in the pass rush and gap integrity critical for NC State’s defense.

With both teams hoping to start the season 1-0, the quarterback matchup in Charlottesville could go a long way toward determining the outcome.

Final Thoughts

Virginia’s quarterback competition is over, and NC State now has a clear picture of the challenge awaiting in Week 1.

Beau Pribula brings experience, athleticism, and more than 30 career total touchdowns to Charlottesville. If the Wolfpack wants to leave Virginia with a season-opening victory, containing the Cavaliers’ new signal caller will likely be at the top of the defensive game plan.