Virginia’s offense may be heading into Saturday’s trip to Wake Forest without two of its better skill players, and that’s not exactly the kind of news the Cavaliers wanted in the middle of an uneven stretch.
Running back Jekail Middlebrook and wide receiver Kam Courtney are both doubtful on Virginia’s initial availability report, which was released Wednesday night ahead of the ACC matchup in Winston-Salem. Virginia also listed three defensive backs - Corey Costner, Brandyn Hillman and Ethan Minter - as questionable.
Middlebrook stands out most. He’s been one of Virginia’s most effective offensive pieces and is coming off a big game against Duke, when he ran for 117 yards. If he can’t go, it would add another hit to a Virginia offense that has managed just 16 points per game over its last four contests.
Wake Forest, meanwhile, listed wide receiver Carlos Hernandez as probable.
Here is the full initial availability report for both teams:
Virginia availability report
Doubtful
RB No. 14 Jekail Middlebrook
WR No. 6 Kam Courtney
Questionable
S No. 4 Corey Costner
S No. 6 Brandyn Hillman
WR No. 19 Dylan Cope
S No. 30 Ethan Minter
Probable
WR No. 15 Dillon Newton-Short
Out
WR No. 11 Rico Flores Jr.
K No. 14 Tim Hamann
ATH No. 17 Jae'Qyn Williams
DE No. 19 Evan Ward
CB No. 20 Omillio Agard
LB No. 26 Caleb Hardy
DB No. 27 Alex Dunn
RB No. 37 Jack Stevens
LB No. 42 Isaiah Reese
DT No. 46 Chase Morrison
DT No. 56 Tyler Simmons
OL No. 58 Noah Hartsoe
OL No. 65 Grant Ellinger
TE No. 87 Justin Zames
DT No. 91 Jason Hammond
DT No. 96 Bull Richardson
DE No. 99 Devon Baxter
Wake Forest availability report
Questionable
DL No. 14 Tyler Walton
Probable
WR No. 8 Carlos Hernandez
OL No. 78 Jack Hines
In Other News...
Virginias Upset Hopes Just Got Tougher Ahead Of Wake Forest
Virginia heads into its road matchup with No. 14 Wake Forest carrying a thinner margin for error than it would like, and the injury picture only adds to the challenge. Wide receiver Jekail Middlebrook is among the unavailable pieces, leaving Tony Elliott to navigate a difficult week as his offense tries to keep pace against a ranked opponent in a tough environment.
Elliott praised Wake Forests performance during his midweek press conference, but he also voiced confidence in the work his own team has put in. Still, the opening availability report is a reminder that Virginia may have to adjust on the fly, with multiple wide receiver injuries clouding the setup ahead of a game already stacked against the Cavaliers. [Read more 🡒]
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The watch list itself is another layer of attention on a player already expected to carry a big load for the Cavaliers. The award will be decided by Division I head coaches and announced during the week of the 2027 Mens Final Four, so there is a long runway ahead for De Ridder to build on last season and strengthen his case. For Virginia, the bigger takeaway is simple: if he takes another step, the teams ambitions could rise with him. [Read more 🡒]
Virginia Faces A Make-Or-Break Test With One Huge Offensive Decision
Virginia heads into a tricky matchup with No. 14 Wake Forest sitting at 4-4, and the offense is clearly searching for a better rhythm at exactly the wrong time to be searching. Des Kitchings said the Cavaliers are looking to lean more on heavier personnel, with extra tight ends helping both the ground game and the play-action package as Virginia tries to find a more stable identity.
The quarterback picture is just as important, because Tony Elliott is still sticking with Pribula despite the recent struggles that have made every series feel more consequential. Eli Holstein remains there as an alternative if the Cavaliers decide they need a different look, but for now Virginia is trying to pair a more physical approach up front with the same starter under center against one of the tougher opponents on the schedule. [Read more 🡒]
