Virginia’s linebacker room enters the season with a familiar feel, and that’s exactly how Mike Adams wants it.
After the departure of veteran leader James Jackson, the Cavaliers could have been looking at a major reset. Instead, they’ve managed to keep their biggest defensive pieces in place, add more experience, and build the kind of depth Adams thinks can survive the grind of a full season.
Jackson’s presence still hangs over the room, but not as a void. Adams said the veteran linebacker “was a tremendous leader on and off the field, just setting the example for how we wanted to do things,” and added, “Really, all the way from on grounds to the meeting rooms, to practice, to game day, he left an impression on several guys in our room.”
That influence matters because Virginia is not starting from scratch. The Cavaliers bring back several players who were around Jackson and have now moved into larger roles themselves.
“Fortunately, we're one of the units on the team that brings back a lot of those guys,” Adams said. “I was hoping that they were watching him, and they were guys like Maddox Marcellus, and Landon Danley are the first two that played with him a lot out there, and they're starting to show that they can run our room, run our group outside of me giving them direction.”
For Virginia, that blend of experience and depth is the story in the linebacker room. Jackson set the standard. Now the players behind him are expected to carry it forward.
In Other News...
Virginia Suddenly Has A Backfield Battle Fans Needed To See
Virginias backfield is suddenly one of the more interesting parts of the roster heading into 2026, and it has a little bit of everything: three experienced transfers, three returners and a clear need for someone to seize the job. With nearly 1,700 rushing yards gone from last seasons top two backs, the Cavaliers are leaning into competition at a position coach Keith Gaither says offers a mix of different skill sets rather than a single obvious answer.
Jekail Middlebrook was one of the names that kept coming up during spring practice, which only adds to the sense that this could turn into a real battle once camp opens. Virginia does not need a one-man solution so much as a reliable rotation, but the pressure is still there to find the right blend quickly, especially with the season approaching and the production from last year no longer in the building. [Read more 🡒]
Virginia Football Just Set Two Dates That Make 2026 Feel Real
Virginia football is already putting some calendar markers around 2026, and they come with the kind of fan-facing events that help a season feel closer than it is. The Cavaliers will host Meet the Team Day at the George Welsh Indoor Practice Facility, giving supporters a chance to mix with the program through autographs, games and giveaways, while season-ticket renewals and discounted ticket packages are now open for the upcoming home slate.
Paint the Town Orange will also return at the Ting Pavilion, keeping one of Virginias more recognizable preseason traditions in place as the program starts building toward next fall. Along with the ticket push, UVA has rolled out digital parking passes for home games, another sign that the logistics of 2026 are already taking shape even before the first snap is on the horizon. [Read more 🡒]
Ryan Odom Officially Sets Virginia's 2026-27 Roster Direction
Ryan Odom has officially put the first real shape on Virginias 2026-27 roster, announcing eight newcomers who will give the Cavaliers a blend of size, experience and perimeter help. The group includes six scholarship additions and two walk-ons, with forwards Nolan Adekunle, Kalu Anya and Favour Ibe joining guards Jurian Dixon, Christian Harmon and Jan Vide, plus Nick Rotter and Quincy Watson filling out the walk-on spots.
For Virginia, the interesting part is not just the number of newcomers but the variety of backgrounds Odom is bringing into the program. There are transfers with college production, international experience and a highly regarded prep prospect in the mix, which gives the staff a lot of different ways to build the roster. The next question is how those pieces fit together once the Cavaliers start sorting out roles, because this group looks like it could be the foundation for something much more defined. [Read more 🡒]