Virginia Football Sees Major Roster Movement: 5-Star Kicker Commits, Transfer Portal Activity, and Four Declare for NFL Draft
It was a busy Monday in Charlottesville, with Virginia football experiencing a flurry of roster changes that signal both promise for the future and the end of an era for several key contributors. The Cavaliers added a highly touted kicker to their 2026 recruiting class, saw another player enter the transfer portal, and had four core veterans declare for the NFL Draft-all in one day.
A Big Leg Stays Home: 5-Star Kicker Tim Hamann Commits to UVA
Let’s start with the future. Virginia didn’t have to look far to find its next special teams weapon.
Tim Hamann, a standout from nearby St. Anne’s-Belfield, committed to the Cavaliers after fielding interest from programs like Maryland, JMU, Rutgers, Buffalo, and William & Mary.
UVA extended an offer just last week, and Hamann didn’t wait long to jump on it.
Rated as the No. 10 kicker in the country by Kohl’s Kicking, Hamann carries a 5-star designation and was named first-team all-state. That’s not just hype-his numbers back it up.
He drilled a school-record 53-yard field goal this past season and added two more from 45 yards out. He was perfect on extra points (35-for-35) and delivered touchbacks on 60 of his 65 kickoffs.
That kind of consistency and leg strength doesn’t come around often, and it’s clear UVA sees him as a future difference-maker on special teams.
Hamann’s development has been shaped by some familiar names to Cavalier fans-he was coached by former UVA stars Heath Miller and Chris Luzar. With that kind of mentorship and his natural talent, Hamann could be a key piece for Virginia as early as next season.
Linebacker Trey McDonald Enters Transfer Portal
On the other end of the roster spectrum, senior linebacker Trey McDonald became the latest Cavalier to announce his intention to enter the NCAA transfer portal when it opens on January 2. McDonald, a 6-foot-4, 235-pound middle linebacker, has one year of eligibility remaining and brings a wealth of experience to the table.
Over 41 career games-including five starts-McDonald totaled 74 tackles, 2.5 tackles for loss, one sack, and an interception. While he wasn’t a full-time starter, he’s been a steady presence in the linebacker rotation and a key contributor on special teams.
McDonald joins five other Cavaliers already in the portal: junior wide receiver Suderian Harrison, junior cornerbacks Dre Walker and Ja’son Prevard, junior defensive end Mekhi Buchanan, and redshirt senior offensive lineman Tyshawn Wyatt.
Among that group, Prevard stands out. He was a second-team All-ACC selection this season and the only starter among the six who have decided to move on. Losing a player of his caliber will certainly be felt in the secondary, but Virginia has been preparing for attrition in the portal era, and this offseason will be no different.
Four Cavaliers Declare for the 2026 NFL Draft
While some players are seeking new opportunities in college, others are taking the leap to the next level. Four Virginia standouts officially declared for the 2026 NFL Draft on Monday: running back J’Mari Taylor, nose tackle Jahmeer Carter, tight end Sage Ennis, and defensive end Cazeem Moore.
These aren’t just names on a depth chart-they were foundational pieces in a season that saw Virginia post a program-record 11 wins.
Taylor was the engine of the offense. The first-team All-ACC running back led the conference in rushing and became the first Cavalier to crack the 1,000-yard mark since Jordan Ellis in 2018. His blend of vision, burst, and toughness made him a nightmare for opposing defenses and a consistent spark for UVA’s ground game.
Ennis, a reliable target at tight end, finished sixth on the team in receptions with 23 catches for 214 yards and five touchdowns. His ability to find soft spots in coverage and contribute in the red zone made him a valuable outlet in the passing game.
On the defensive side, Carter was the anchor. He played in all 14 games and constantly drew double teams up front.
Despite the extra attention, he still managed 30 tackles, a tackle for loss, and a quarterback hurry. His presence in the trenches helped free up teammates to make plays.
Moore, a transfer from Elon, made the most of his lone season in Charlottesville. He appeared in all 14 games, recording 18 tackles, three tackles for loss, three sacks, four quarterback hurries, and a pass breakup. His motor and versatility added depth and disruption to the defensive front.
What It All Means for Virginia
This kind of roster movement is becoming the norm in today’s college football landscape, but that doesn’t make it any less significant. The addition of a top-tier kicker like Hamann gives Virginia a long-term asset in the kicking game, a phase that often swings tight contests. At the same time, the departures-both to the portal and the draft-represent the natural evolution of a program that’s been building toward sustained success.
Replacing the production and leadership of players like Taylor, Carter, and Prevard won’t be easy. But if this past season showed us anything, it’s that Virginia is building a culture that can withstand turnover. With a strong recruiting class, key returners, and momentum from an 11-win campaign, the Cavaliers are positioning themselves to stay competitive in the ACC and beyond.
The offseason has only just begun, but the next chapter of Virginia football is already starting to take shape.