Virginia’s running back room looks nothing like a unit in transition. It looks crowded, versatile and, at least on paper, ready to give the Cavaliers options when the 2026 season arrives.
Keith Gaither is entering his fourth year coaching the position, and for the first time he says Virginia has what he calls “competitive depth” from top to bottom. That’s not just coach-speak. The Cavaliers are bringing six backs into fall camp who can realistically factor into the offense: transfers Jekail Middlebrook, Peyton Lewis and Solomon Beebe, plus returners Xavier Brown, Noah Vaughn and Xay Davis.
That kind of group gives Virginia a chance to spread the load instead of leaning on one workhorse. And that matters, because the Cavaliers have a lot of production to replace.
J’Mari Taylor carried the offense on the ground in 2025, piling up 1,062 rushing yards and 14 touchdowns after Virginia opened the year expecting more of a committee. Harrison Waylee added 556 rushing yards before both players ran out of eligibility, leaving the Cavaliers with nearly 1,700 rushing yards to make up.
Gaither’s answer is simple: don’t ask one back to do it all.
“For the first time in four years, we've got competitive depth,” Gaither said. “From one through six, there isn't much of a gap.
There's not a drop-off. They all have different skill sets.
Some can catch the ball out of the backfield. Some can play receiver.
Some are short-yardage guys. Some fit wide zone.
I'm very fortunate to have six quality running backs with different skill sets. It gives us a chance.”
Among the newcomers, Middlebrook has been the one to separate himself so far. The former Middle Tennessee back rushed for 752 yards and four touchdowns last season and started 11 games. He stood out during spring practice, and Gaither has already drawn comparisons between Middlebrook and Taylor.
In Other News...
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 🡒]