Virginia’s win over NC State gave NFL scouts plenty to chew on, and a handful of Cavaliers helped themselves in the process.
The biggest splash came from Hillman, who changed the game with plays on both sides of the turnover battle. He picked off a pass and also forced a fumble, creating a two-possession swing that sent momentum Virginia’s way. Those moments mattered because they cut into NC State’s chances to score and kept the Wolfpack from tightening things up.
Hillman’s calling card has already been his physical style, but this game added more to the resume. If he can pair those hard hits with turnovers and strong coverage, the former All-Big Ten safety could be on an NFL path sooner rather than later.
Pribula also gave evaluators something to think about. He showed why he belongs in the conversation as one of the most athletic quarterbacks in the country.
Even so, with him being a fifth-year player in his second full season as a starter, he still looks like a long shot to get drafted. Still, there’s a path for him if a team wants to bet on traits.
The example that fits best is Taysom Hill, the longtime New Orleans Saints player who lined up all over the offense as a quarterback, tight end, running back, receiver and fullback. That kind of role let him use his athleticism, speed, strength and throwing ability. Pribula could follow a similar route.
Up front, McKale Boley strengthened his standing as well. He has already shown up on draft boards, and he opened the 2026 season with a strong performance. Against a talented NC State front seven, he won his matchup on nearly every play and kept Pribula comfortable.
The same can be said for Noah Josey, Drake Metcalf, Makilan Thomas and Monroe Mills. Mills earned ACC Offensive Lineman of the Week honors for his work, and the group helped Virginia give up very little pressure while also taking control of the run game. At minimum, all five starters should be viewed as priority undrafted free agents just based on how well they functioned as one of the nation’s best offensive line units.
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Virginia Tech Now Has A Rivalry Threat Worth Watching Closely
Beau Pribulas emergence has added a fresh layer to Virginia footballs season, and it comes at a time when the Cavaliers are trying to sort out what kind of threat they can be down the stretch. In the win over NC State, Pribula showed why his skill set matters so much to the offense, giving Virginia a quarterback who can stress defenses with his arm and his legs and make a game feel different snap to snap.
For a program with bigger tests still ahead, that kind of production is hard to ignore, especially as the schedule turns toward matchups that can shape how this season is remembered. Virginia Tech may have its own business to handle with VMI this week, but developments on the other side of the rivalry are worth watching closely, because Pribulas rise gives Virginia another element that could matter when the stakes get higher later in the fall. [Read more 🡒]
Virginias ACC Quarterback Outlook Comes With One Big Early Question
The ACCs quarterback picture already looks unsettled heading into the season, with 11 programs going shopping in the transfer portal and only a handful of teams bringing back a proven starter. Early Week 0 action gave a first glimpse at how some of those moves might play out, and it also helped sharpen the discussion around the leagues top options at the position entering Week 1.
For Virginia, the intrigue is less about what happened on opening weekend and more about how the Cavaliers fit into that larger quarterback conversation after their own first game. The league picture will keep shifting over the next few days as teams sort through early performances and upcoming tests, and Virginia will spend its off week watching those developments before it returns to the field in Week 2 against Norfolk State. [Read more 🡒]
Virginia Just Uncovered A Scary Defensive Possibility
Virginias win over NC State came with a reminder that the Cavaliers may still be scratching the surface on defense. Even while missing several key players, the group held the Wolfpack to 8 points and got quality snaps from other linebackers, showing a level of depth that can travel with them into tougher stretches ahead.
Kam Robinsons absence was part of that performance, and his eventual return only adds another layer to what Virginia is building. With the defense already proving it can function at a high level when pieces are missing, the next question is how much more disruptive it can become once one of its top linebackers is back in the mix. [Read more 🡒]