Virginia and Miami look built for a heavyweight ACC fight in Coral Gables
Miami has usually been left just outside the ACC’s top tier, with Duke and North Carolina occupying the familiar front row and Virginia popping in from time to time. That dynamic feels different now. The Hurricanes look ready to claim a place at the winners’ table this season.
Virginia swept Miami last year, but the roster makeup has changed enough to make this one a much tougher call. The Hurricanes added real firepower in the portal, and this matchup has the feel of a much closer contest than the one-sided results from last season.
At point guard, Miami landed a major piece in Lewis, a highly talented guard from the DMV. Lewis’ 2025-26 at Villanova: 33 GS, 33 GP, 30.5 MPG, 12.2 PPG, 5.3 APG, 3.0 RPG, 45.6% FG, 27.0% 3PT.
He may not be the steadiest player night to night, but he brings a dependable baseline and a ceiling that makes him one of the ACC’s most intriguing guards. By the end of the 2026-27 season, he could be among the league’s top point guards.
Virginia counters with Mallory’s 2025-26: 0 GS, 36 GP, 24.1 MPG, 9.3 PPG, 3.4 APG, 3.7 RPG, 42.2% FG, 34.5% 3PT. The Cavaliers also have the option of Nolan Adekunle here instead of Dixon, but either way they should have a clear edge over Allen, who posted Allen’s 2025-26: 18 GS, 30 GP, 23.9 MPG, 6.6 PPG, 2.2 APG, 2.8 RPG, 43.1% FG, 32.1% 3PT.
On the wing, Miami’s Lewis’ 2025-26: 35 GS, 36 GP, 25.4 MPG, 10.6 PPG, 1.4 APG, 3.6 RPG, 45.5% FG, 40.3% 3PT brings the cleaner perimeter game, while Henderson’s 2025-26: 35 GS, 35 GP, 31.2 MPG, 13.8 PPG, 2.1 APG, 4.9 RPG, 56.7% FG, 25.5% 3PT has the slight edge at first glance because of his scoring profile. Still, Lewis is set up for a breakout with more shots available, and his defense is a little better than Henderson’s. The three-point battle tilts strongly toward Lewis.
The most lopsided matchup may come in the frontcourt. De Ridder’s 2025-26: 36 GS, 36 GP, 27.7 MPG, 15.6 PPG, 1.6 APG, 6.2 RPG, 50.8% FG, 35.7% 3PT gives Virginia a proven force at power forward.
Gaskins was a huge recruit, ranked No. 11 in the country, and he should become a star, but asking him to handle De Ridder is a tall order. De Ridder was a 2025-26 All-ACC First Team member, and there may not be another power forward in the conference who can be favored over him right now.
At center, Grunloh’s 2025-26: 36 GS, 36 GP, 21.0 MPG, 7.1 PPG, 0.6 APG, 5.2 RPG, 53.3% FG, 35.0% 3PT gives Virginia a stretch option, but Cyril’s 2025-26 (Georgia): 32 GS, 33 GP, 21.1 MPG, 9.3 PPG, 0.6 APG, 5.4 RPG, 75.9% FG, 0.0% 3PT is the kind of interior anchor that changes how an offense has to operate. Cyril is a defensive demon, one of the most intimidating paint protectors around, and he rebounds at a high level.
He can score when needed too, and his efficiency stands out. Grunloh’s shooting from deep matters, but Cyril led the nation in dunks and is downright imposing inside.
This shapes up as a razor-close matchup on paper, with both teams looking like they could make deep NCAA Tournament runs. Virginia’s edge comes from its bench and its overall experience. Ryan Odom’s group went 2-0 against Miami last year, but this meeting will be the first in Coral Gables, Fla. against Coach Jai Lucas.
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