The transfer portal has become college football’s version of free agency, and Virginia just made some serious moves. With 27 new players added to the roster, the Cavaliers aren’t just reloading - they’re aiming to build on the momentum of a record-setting 2025 season.
And at the heart of it all? Two quarterbacks who bring very different resumes but one shared goal: keep the Wahoos winning.
Let’s start under center, where the biggest headlines are being made.
QB Room Gets a Major Overhaul
After Chandler Morris helped guide Virginia to 11 wins, an ACC Championship appearance, and a Gator Bowl victory over Missouri, the bar is officially raised in Charlottesville. Now, it’s a Missouri transfer who steps in to carry that torch.
Beau Pribula, who started for the Tigers and faced down several ranked SEC opponents before injuries cut his season short, is expected to be the guy in 2026. He’s not just a depth piece - he’s the presumed starter, and he comes with solid credentials.
Pribula completed 67% of his passes for 1,941 yards, 11 touchdowns, and 9 picks in 10 games. He also showed some mobility, adding 297 rushing yards and six scores.
His decision to pick Virginia over programs like Washington, Tennessee, and Nebraska says a lot about where UVA is headed. And while he opted out of Missouri’s bowl game - ironically against Virginia - all signs point to a fresh start and a big opportunity in the ACC.
Backing him up will be Eli Holstein, who brings two years of eligibility and a résumé that includes stops at Alabama and Pitt. Holstein started for the Panthers in 2024, throwing for over 2,200 yards and 17 touchdowns.
He had a hot start to the season before hitting a rough patch, eventually losing the starting job. Still, his arm talent and experience make him a valuable insurance policy for 2026 and a potential starter in 2027.
Speed and Power in the Backfield
With J’Mari Taylor off to the NFL and Harrison Waylee out of eligibility, Virginia needed to replenish its running back room - and they did just that.
The headline addition is Peyton Lewis, a Virginia native and Tennessee transfer who brings track speed and SEC experience. A two-time state champ in the 55-meter dash (6.34 seconds, for those keeping score), Lewis is explosive through the hole and tough to catch in the open field.
At 6-1, 212 pounds, he’s got the size to handle a full workload and the speed to break big plays. Last season, he was part of a three-man rotation and still managed 290 yards and seven touchdowns on 70 carries.
He’ll be joined by Solomon Beebe (UAB) and JeKail Middlebrook (Middle Tennessee), who both bring different skill sets to the table. Add in returning backs Xavier Brown and Zay Davis, and you’ve got a deep, versatile group that should keep the chains moving.
Reinforcements at Wide Receiver and Tight End
Virginia didn’t just reload at quarterback and running back - they added four wide receivers who can make an impact right away.
The group includes Tyson Davis (Central Michigan), Jacquan Gibson (UMass), Da’Shawn Martin (Kent State), and Rico Flores Jr. (UCLA). It’s a mix of slot and outside threats, giving the Cavaliers flexibility and depth in the passing game.
At tight end, Connor Cox comes over from North Carolina. At 6-6, 250 pounds, he’s a big target who can help in the red zone and as a blocker in the run game.
Big Bodies Up Front
You can’t win in the ACC without a strong offensive line, and Virginia brought in two big additions: Alex Payne from USC (6-6, 315) and Ryan Brubaker from South Carolina (6-5, 313). Both have the size and pedigree to compete for starting spots immediately, and they’ll be key to protecting Pribula and opening lanes for the new-look backfield.
Defensive Upgrades Across the Board
On the defensive side, Virginia made moves at every level.
Up front, the Cavaliers added three defensive linemen: Jonathan Allen (UAB), Darrion Henry-Young (Coastal Carolina), and Zion Wilson (East Carolina). Each brings size and experience to help bolster the trenches.
The pass rush should get a serious jolt from four new edge players, headlined by Devon Baxter from Michigan. At 6-6, 247 pounds, Baxter is a long, athletic rusher who knows how to get after the quarterback. He’s joined by Ezekiel Larry (Yale), Nnanna Anyanwu (UTSA), and Matthew Fobbs-White (Baylor) - all capable of making noise off the edge.
In the secondary, Virginia added some serious talent. Safeties Brandyn Hillman (Michigan) and Christian Ellis (Virginia Tech) are expected to contribute right away, while corners Omillio Agard (Wisconsin) and Jacobie Henderson (Rutgers) bring starting experience and ball skills.
Add in Jalen McNair (Buffalo), Jaylen Jones (Georgia State), and Justin Ross (Navy), and you’ve got a revamped secondary that should be much more competitive in 2026.
Special Teams
Even the smallest details matter, and Virginia didn’t overlook special teams. Long snapper Wyatt Rubinoff (New Hampshire) joins the fold, rounding out a transfer class that hits every phase of the game.
Virginia’s 2026 Transfer Class (By Position)
Quarterback
- Beau Pribula, 6-2, 212, Missouri
- Eli Holstein, 6-4, 225, Pitt
Running Back
- Peyton Lewis, 6-1, 212, Tennessee
- Solomon Beebe, 5-10, 205, UAB
- JeKail Middlebrook, 5-10, 196, Middle Tennessee
Wide Receiver
- Tyson Davis, 5-10, 175, Central Michigan
- Jacquan Gibson, 5-11, 195, UMass
- Da’Shawn Martin, 6-2, 175, Kent State
- Rico Flores Jr., 6-2, 205, UCLA
Tight End
- Connor Cox, 6-6, 250, North Carolina
Offensive Line
- Alex Payne, 6-6, 315, USC
- Ryan Brubaker, 6-5, 313, South Carolina
Defensive Line
- Jonathan Allen, 6-2, 290, UAB
- Darrion Henry-Young, 6-4, 283, Coastal Carolina
- Zion Wilson, 6-3, 318, East Carolina
Edge
- Devon Baxter, 6-6, 247, Michigan
- Ezekiel Larry, 6-2, 240, Yale
- Nnanna Anyanwu, 6-5, 240, UTSA
- Matthew Fobbs-White, 6-3, 235, Baylor
Safety
- Jalen McNair, 5-9, 198, Buffalo
- Brandyn Hillman, 6-0, 200, Michigan
- Jaylen Jones, 6-1, 195, Georgia State
- Christian Ellis, 6-0, 202, Virginia Tech
Cornerback
- Omillio Agard, 5-11, 180, Wisconsin
- Justin Ross, 6-2, 185, Navy
- Jacobie Henderson, 5-11, 198, Rutgers
Special Teams
- Wyatt Rubinoff, 6-2, 225, New Hampshire (Long Snapper)
Virginia didn’t just dip into the portal - they dove in headfirst. With proven talent at quarterback, speed in the backfield, playmakers on defense, and depth across the board, this transfer class sets the stage for another big year in Charlottesville.
The pieces are there. Now it’s about putting them together.