Virginia Athletics Weekly Roundup: Hoos Rise in Hoops, Football Finishes Ranked, and More
Virginia men’s basketball is heating up at just the right time. The Cavaliers went into Dallas on Saturday and handed SMU their first home loss of the season, grinding out a 72-68 win in a tough road environment.
That kind of performance doesn’t go unnoticed - and it didn’t. UVA jumped up to No. 14 in the latest AP Poll, continuing their steady climb up the national rankings.
Now, the Hoos get a bit of a breather before a marquee matchup against North Carolina at John Paul Jones Arena this Saturday. It’s a well-earned pause in the schedule, and it gives us a chance to take stock of a big week across Virginia athletics. Here's what you need to know:
Virginia Football Cracks Final AP Top 25 for First Time in Two Decades
It’s been a long time coming, but the Cavaliers football program finally closed out a season ranked in the final AP Top 25 - the first time that’s happened in 20 years. UVA landed at No. 16, a major milestone that reflects a season of grit, growth, and meaningful wins.
This isn’t just a feather in the cap for head coach Tony Elliott - it’s a sign that Virginia football is trending in the right direction. The Hoos leaned into their identity this season, and the result was a campaign that not only turned heads nationally but also laid a strong foundation for the program’s future.
Tony Bennett to Be Honored with Court Naming at JPJ
When you talk about Virginia basketball, you can’t do it without mentioning Tony Bennett. The architect of UVA’s 2019 national championship and the most successful coach in program history is getting a well-deserved honor: the court at John Paul Jones Arena will officially bear his name.
The ceremony will take place ahead of Saturday’s game against North Carolina - a fitting stage for a tribute to the man who redefined Virginia basketball. Bennett’s impact goes far beyond wins and banners; he brought a culture of humility, defense, and discipline that transformed the program into a perennial contender.
AJ Gracia Named D1 Baseball Preseason All-American
Virginia baseball is already making headlines before the first pitch of the season. Outfielder AJ Gracia, a transfer from Duke, has been named a Division I Preseason All-American - and he hasn’t even stepped onto the field in a Cavaliers uniform yet.
Gracia brings serious pop to the lineup. Last season at Duke, he hit .293 with 15 home runs and 54 RBIs, showcasing both consistency and power.
He also represented the USA Baseball Collegiate National Team last summer, competing in the prestigious USA vs. Japan All-Star Series.
Head coach Chris Pollard, who made the move from Duke to UVA himself, clearly knew what he was doing by bringing Gracia along.
Joey Orck Elevated to Offensive Line Coach
There’s been a coaching shakeup on the football side as well. Joey Orck, who’s served as Virginia’s senior offensive analyst since 2022, has been promoted to offensive line coach for the 2026 season. He takes over for Terry Heffernan, who is heading west to take the head coaching job at Stanford.
Orck’s promotion keeps some continuity on the offensive side of the ball, especially important for a team that just finished in the Top 25. He’s been part of the program during a key developmental stretch and now gets the opportunity to lead a critical unit in the trenches.
Rafael Jódar Advances to Second Round at Australian Open
Former Cavalier Rafael Jódar is making noise on the international tennis stage. The former UVA standout won his Grand Slam debut at the Australian Open, outlasting Japan’s Rei Sakamoto in a five-set thriller that stretched nearly four hours.
Jódar took the match 7-6 (6), 6-1, 5-7, 4-6, 6-3 - a gritty performance that showed off the same mental toughness and shot-making ability that earned him ACC Freshman of the Year and ITA Singles All-American honors in 2025. He’s now into the second round and proving that his transition to the pro level is off to a promising start.
What’s Next
With basketball entering a pivotal stretch, football riding a wave of momentum, and Olympic sports making headlines, Virginia athletics is firing on all cylinders. Saturday’s home game against North Carolina won’t just be a top-tier ACC showdown - it’ll also serve as a celebration of one of the most influential figures in school history.
Tony Bennett’s name going on the court is more than a tribute. It’s a reminder of what’s possible when culture, coaching, and commitment come together - something we’re seeing across the board in Charlottesville right now.