Virginia football just wrapped up one of its most decorated seasons in recent memory, placing 15 players on the 2025 All-ACC teams - the program’s highest total since 1996. Leading the way is running back J’Mari Taylor, whose breakout campaign earned him a spot on the First Team All-ACC. It’s a well-deserved honor for a player who’s been the heartbeat of the Cavaliers’ offense all year long.
First Team All-ACC: J’Mari Taylor’s Star Turn
Taylor didn’t just earn his way onto the first team - he ran through it, literally. The former NC Central walk-on led the ACC in rushing yards (997) and rushing touchdowns (14), and came within seven votes of topping all running backs in the All-ACC voting.
That’s elite company, and Taylor made it look routine. He’s the first Virginia running back to be named First Team All-ACC since Alvin Pearman in 2004 - and he did it with a mix of vision, toughness, and big-play ability that made him a nightmare for opposing defenses every Saturday.
Second Team All-ACC: Key Pieces in the Trenches and Special Teams
Two other Cavaliers earned Second Team nods: center Brady Wilson and punter Daniel Sparks.
Wilson, a grad transfer from UAB, anchored the offensive line with consistency and poise. He started nine games and allowed just one sack all season, per Pro Football Focus. That kind of reliability in the middle of the line is hard to come by, and it gave quarterback Chandler Morris the stability he needed to operate the offense.
On special teams, Sparks continues to be one of the ACC’s most dependable legs. This marks his third career All-ACC selection, having previously earned honors in 2022 and 2024. His ability to flip field position has been a quiet but crucial part of Virginia’s success this year.
Third Team All-ACC: Defensive Leaders and Offensive Weapons
Five Cavaliers made the Third Team, headlined by linebacker Kam Robinson. Despite missing time with both a collarbone injury and a torn ACL late in the season, Robinson still managed 64 tackles in just eight games - the second-highest total on the team. His sideline-to-sideline range and leadership on defense were evident every time he stepped on the field.
Wide receiver Trell Harris and safety Devin Neal also landed on the Third Team. Harris led the team in receptions (56), receiving yards (809), and receiving touchdowns (5), ranking top 10 in the ACC in all three categories. He was a go-to target in clutch moments and a consistent chain-mover all season.
Neal, meanwhile, was a tackling machine. He led the Cavaliers with 70 total tackles and chipped in six pass breakups - tied for second-most on the squad. His versatility and instincts made him a constant presence around the football.
On the offensive line, tackle pairing Noah Josey and McKale Boley got well-earned recognition. Both started all 12 games and were rock-solid in pass protection. Boley gave up just two sacks all year, while Josey didn’t allow a single one - a testament to their discipline and technique.
Honorable Mentions: Depth and Impact Across the Roster
Virginia’s Honorable Mention list is filled with names who made a real impact, even if they didn’t land on the top teams.
Quarterback Chandler Morris earned a nod after guiding the offense with poise and production. Tight end Sage Ennis, though not a volume receiver, tied for the team lead in touchdown catches (5) and contributed heavily as a blocker. Wideout Cam Ross was a reliable second option in the passing game with 43 catches for 459 yards and two scores, while also handling punt return duties with 170 yards on 20 returns.
On defense, Mitchell Melton was a disruptive force off the edge. He led the team in tackles for loss (10), quarterback hurries (32), and forced fumbles (3).
His 32 hurries were tied for 13th nationally, per PFF - that’s elite pressure production. Melton also added five sacks and six QB hits, making life miserable for opposing quarterbacks.
Defensive tackle Jahmeer Carter was a key cog in the run defense, tallying 27 tackles and holding the line in the trenches. Cornerback Ja’son Prevard had one of the most memorable performances of the season with two interceptions against Florida State, including the game-sealer in double overtime that sent Scott Stadium into a frenzy.
And let’s not forget kicker Will Bettridge, who was as steady as they come. He hit 20 of 24 field goal attempts and was perfect on all 46 extra points. He was particularly reliable inside 40 yards (14-for-15) and finished second in the ACC in total scoring with 106 points, just behind Georgia Tech’s Aidan Birr.
The Big Picture
This All-ACC haul reflects a team that’s grown across the board - from walk-ons turned stars like J’Mari Taylor, to transfers stepping into leadership roles, to underclassmen making their mark. It’s the kind of depth and talent distribution that speaks volumes about the direction of the program.
For Virginia, this isn’t just a collection of individual honors - it’s a statement. The Cavaliers are building something, and the rest of the ACC is taking notice.