The quarterback competition at Virginia Tech has come to a close.

Justin Fuente announced on Thursday afternoon that incumbent quarterback Josh Jackson would be the starter heading into the season opener against Florida State. Jackson, a redshirt sophomore, was in a quarterback competition against Kansas transfer Ryan Willis, redshirt freshman Hendon Hooker, and true freshman Quincy Patterson.

“I’ve been pleased with all of our quarterbacks, honestly,” Fuente told the media. “Josh, barring any unforeseen circumstances, is the starter.

“We divvied up the reps and gave everyone an opportunity,” Fuente added. “We still feel like Josh is the best for us.”

Jackson was one of just 16 redshirt or true freshmen to have significant playing time at quarterback across the college football landscape last fall, setting freshman quarterback records for touchdown passes thrown (20), passing yards (2,991), and 200+ yard passing games (9).

Jackson’s 20 touchdowns were second of all freshmen in 2017 behind Georgia’s Jake Fromm who tossed 24.

During his first season at the helm, Jackson navigated Virginia Tech to a 9-4 record and led all Power Five freshmen quarterbacks in passing yards and completions.

He ended his redshirt freshman season with a 59.6-percent completion percentage and a 135.16 efficiency rating.

While Jackson did lose record-setting wide receiver Cam Phillips from the 2017 roster, he returns Eric Kumah, Sean Savoy, Hezekiah Grimsley, and others. Newcomers Damon Hazelton, who missed the 2017 season due to NCAA transfer restrictions, and true freshman Tre Turner also look to factor into the mix this fall.

Virginia Tech will open the 2018 season against Florida State on Monday, September 3, in Tallahassee, FL. Kickoff is set for 8:00 PM.