Three Major Reasons Why Virginia Football Is An Acc Contender In 2026

The Virginia Cavaliers had a singular tally during their 2025 campaign, yet earning a spot successful nan ACC Championship Game, wherever they faced nan Missouri Tigers. Although they had hoped to scope nan highly touted CFP, nan truth is that fewer expected nan Cavaliers to make it to nan convention title game.

Having achieved specified important occurrence past year, Virginia now has credibility nether its belt. However, that credibility isn't permanent. If they want to support their imposing title, they will request to execute good this year.

Fortunately, it looks for illustration nan Cavaliers are correct connected track. Head coach Tony Elliott has been moving connected his roster, plugging nan various gaps each passing day. Considering their offseason adjustments, UVA stands a beardown chance astatine reaching nan ACC Championship Game erstwhile again. Here are 3 reasons why Virginia is shaping up to beryllium a apical contender successful their convention this year.

Returning Veterans

Elliott has been capable to clasp respective players this offseason, including a fewer who had entered nan portal. Two of nan apical standouts to return are linebacker Maddox Marcellus and wide receiver Kameron Courtney.

Once this duo entered nan portal, UVA was near pinch monolithic holes successful its roster. In 2025, Marcellus logged 49 full tackles, 1.5 sacks, 1 interception and 1 walk breakup. Courtney recorded 25 receptions for 234 yards, while nabbing a 38-yard rushing touchdown. They are well-versed successful nan Cavaliers' civilization and already person a narration pinch Elliott, who has done a bully occupation astatine balancing veterans and newcomers connected his roster.

Incoming Transfers

Virginia has landed a awesome woody of incoming transfers this offseason, each 1 bringing caller skills and acquisition to nan field. Headlining this year's transportation people is, of course, quarterback Beau Pribula of Missouri. Last year, he completed 182 of 270 passes for 1,941 yards astatine 67.4%, signaling 11 touchdowns and 9 interceptions on nan way.

Another awesome committedness was backmost Eli Holstein, who provides further extent successful this department. Holstein is transferring from Pittsburgh, wherever he completed 77 of 125 passes for 1,081 yards astatine 61.6%, pinch 12 touchdowns and six interceptions.

They’ve Done It Once, They Can Do It Again

The number 1 logic why UVA is gearing up to beryllium a apical ACC contender this twelvemonth boils down to nan truth that they've already reached nan convention title game—the Cavaliers cognize they're tin of it.

This past year, Virginia silenced their doubters alternatively quickly, clinching upset aft upset. UVA is surely not without talent heading into its adjacent campaign, and already having a successful play down them, they're lining backmost up to beryllium a superior threat successful nan ACC.

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