Just two days after suiting up for Virginia in the TaxSlayer Gator Bowl against Missouri, linebacker Trey McDonald is making a move. The veteran defender has announced his intention to enter the transfer portal and spend his final year of college eligibility with another program.
McDonald, a Chattanooga native, has been part of the Cavaliers’ program since signing in December 2021. Over the course of three seasons in Charlottesville, he carved out a role as a steady contributor, especially on special teams and in rotational defensive snaps. His 2024 campaign was his most productive yet-he played in all 12 games and averaged 4.8 tackles per outing, showcasing a nose for the ball and a willingness to fill gaps when called upon.
Across 41 career games in the orange and blue, McDonald totaled 74 tackles, including 2.5 tackles for loss, one sack, and a lone interception. He earned five starts during his time at Virginia, but the linebacker room around him continued to evolve, and that depth may have played a role in his decision to seek a new opportunity.
This past season, McDonald found himself in a crowded linebacker rotation. Rising star Kam Robinson led the group, and the emergence of younger talents like Maddox Marcellus, Landon Danley, and Caleb Hardy made it tougher for McDonald to find consistent defensive snaps.
As a result, his role shifted more toward special teams, where he remained a reliable presence. But with most of those younger linebackers expected to return next season, the writing may have been on the wall.
At 6-foot-4 and 235 pounds, McDonald brings size, experience, and a solid football IQ to the table-traits that should make him an intriguing addition for programs looking to add veteran leadership and depth at linebacker. He’s got one more year to make an impact, and now he’s betting on himself to do it somewhere new.
McDonald becomes the sixth Virginia player to announce plans to enter the portal ahead of the January 2nd opening date. He joins wide receivers Dre Walker and Suderian Harrison, defensive end Mekhi Buchanan, defensive back Ja’son Prevard, and offensive lineman Tyshawn Wyatt as Cavaliers looking to finish their college careers elsewhere.
It’s a sign of the times in college football-rosters are fluid, and players are increasingly strategic with their final years of eligibility. For McDonald, this next chapter is about finding a fit where he can contribute more consistently and finish his career on his terms.