It’s almost time for Virginia football to get back on the field, and the preseason conversation is already taking shape.
The Cavaliers open the season against NC State on Saturday, August 29 at Scott Stadium, with kickoff set for 3:30 p.m. That means the first practices of preseason are already underway, and the focus in Charlottesville is on carrying over what happened last fall. Virginia put together a program-record 11 wins, reached the ACC Championship Game, and finished with a Gator Bowl victory - the program’s first season ending in a win since 2018.
That run also stood out inside the league. Virginia was the only ACC team to finish 7-1 in conference play last season, though the league is moving to a 9-game conference schedule this year. Even with that strong showing, the Cavaliers were slotted sixth in the 2026 ACC preseason poll, a major jump from last year’s preseason ranking of 14th.
Miami topped the voting with 165 first-place votes, while SMU, Louisville, Clemson, and Georgia Tech rounded out the top five. Virginia came next, followed by NC State, Virginia Tech, Pittsburgh, Duke, Florida State, California, Wake Forest, Syracuse, North Carolina, Boston College, and Stanford.
Fans had plenty to say about the poll, with reactions popping up in threads here and here. The Preferred Walk-Ons Podcast also stirred the pot with a simple question: would you take Miami or the field in the ACC race?
Question we debated on this episode: With Miami being the favorite to win the #ACC (-140), would you take “The U” or the field?
The last 3 preseason favorites have not won.
2025 Clemson (T-7th)
2024 FSU (17th 😳)
2023 Clemson (T-6th)
- Preferred Walk Ons (@PWOPod) July 29, 2026
Virginia also got some individual recognition in the preseason awards. McKale Boley, Noah Josey, Kam Robinson, and Daniel Sparks were all named to the All-ACC Preseason Football Team, giving the Cavaliers four selections - the most in program history since the league began announcing preseason teams in 2005.
Miami quarterback Darian Mensah, who led Duke to the ACC title last season before transferring, was named the ACC Preseason Player of the Year.
Go Hoos!
In Other News...
Virginia Could Suddenly Get A Huge Boost From One Ruling
A potentially major eligibility wrinkle is hanging over college sports, and Virginia could be one of the programs that feels it most if it ever becomes official. The proposed Class of 2022 ruling would give athletes who began competing in the 2022-23 academic year and have used up four seasons of eligibility a chance to play again in 2026-27, opening the door for a handful of former Cavaliers across multiple sports to potentially re-enter the picture.
For Virginia, the appeal is obvious: a rule change like this could create unexpected roster help without the usual transfer portal hunt or recruiting cycle. But the situation is still unresolved, with litigation still working its way through the system and no official confirmation yet, so any talk of a reunion remains more concept than certainty for now. [Read more 🡒]
Two Virginia Transfers Are Turning Up The Heat On Key Position Battles
Preseason practices have given Virginia a closer look at two transfers who could end up shaping the offense before the first snap is ever taken. Offensive coordinator Des Kitchings singled out running back Jekail Middlebrook and receiver Jacquon Gibson as key contributors, and head coach Tony Elliott has also been pleased with Middlebrooks steady play and versatility as the Cavaliers sort through some important August depth chart questions.
Middlebrooks value is easy to see because he can help in more than one way, which is exactly the sort of trait that can tilt a camp battle. Gibson has brought similar energy to the receiver room, where Virginia is still sorting out roles and looking for the right fit in the slot, so both players have made this one of the more interesting position stories around the program as practice rolls on. [Read more 🡒]