(Pop Watson) , what is the story behind this trend in X?
04-09-2026
Pop Watson (William “Pop” Watson III) is trending on X because the Springfield, Massachusetts, native is having a strong night as UMass’s starting quarterback in the 2026 season opener against Rutgers. @underdoll99UMass, a heavy underdog coming off a winless 2025 season and a long losing streak, is putting up a surprising performance (leading at halftime in reports from the game), and Watson is a big reason why. Fans from both his current school and his former one (Virginia Tech) are posting about it. @BillG2330BackgroundWatson starred at Springfield Central High School, where his father Bill Watson is the longtime coach. He won two state titles, was the 2022 Gatorade Massachusetts Player of the Year, and played in the Army All-American Bowl. The nickname “Pop” came from his grandfather, who said the toddler acted like an “angry old man.” youtube.comHe committed to Nebraska, then flipped to Virginia Tech in 2022. At VT he was mostly a backup over three seasons (11 games total). His biggest moment came in 2024 when he started against rival Virginia, throwing for 254 yards and a touchdown while adding a rushing score in a win that helped the Hokies become bowl eligible. He was a fan favorite in Blacksburg despite limited snaps. dailycollegian.comAfter the 2025 season he entered the transfer portal and committed to UMass in January 2026 with the line “All roads lead back to home.” It was a notable homecoming for a program that needed a quarterback and some energy. UMass coaches have praised his leadership and presence. dailycollegian.comThe combination of a local kid returning, a struggling program showing life against a Big Ten opponent, and highlights of him “popping” (the pun writes itself) is what’s driving the conversation tonight.