Virginia continues to make moves in the transfer portal, and this time it's the secondary getting another boost. Former Wisconsin cornerback Omillio Agard is heading to Charlottesville, committing to the Cavaliers after a Thursday visit and making it official with his signature on Saturday.
Agard becomes the sixth defensive back to join Virginia’s 2024 class and the third cornerback in that group, alongside Navy’s Jim Ross (who has yet to officially sign) and Rutgers transfer Jacobie Henderson. It’s a clear signal that the Cavaliers are prioritizing depth and versatility in the back end of their defense - and Agard brings both.
At Wisconsin, Agard carved out a rotational role in a crowded cornerback room. He appeared in 11 games last season and logged 304 defensive snaps - the fourth-most among Badgers corners - while posting 21 total tackles (16 solo), a sack, and an interception. Not bad for a player who didn’t see the field during his true freshman year.
According to Pro Football Focus, Agard earned a 63.0 overall defensive grade in 2023. That number doesn’t jump off the page, but it reflects a young player who held his own in a Power Five defense. With three years of eligibility remaining, Virginia is betting on his upside and development under their system.
The Cavaliers’ staff, led by analyst ShaDon Brown and Chief of Staff/Assistant GM Justin Speros, reached out to Agard shortly after he entered the portal. That early connection likely helped seal the deal, and now Virginia adds another experienced, game-ready body to a secondary that’s clearly undergoing a transformation.
Portal Rule Changes Impacting the Process
Agard’s move also comes amid a new era of transfer portal regulations. While announcements are still lighting up social media, players at the FBS and FCS levels couldn’t officially enter the portal until January 2 under the updated NCAA rules. Only players from Division II or III - or those grandfathered in under the old system - were eligible to enter earlier.
The portal now operates under a single 15-day window from January 2 to January 16, replacing the previous 30-day window that opened in early December. The spring window has been eliminated entirely. Graduate transfers, who once had more flexibility, are now bound by the same 15-day restriction.
Another key change: a coaching change no longer triggers a fresh 30-day window. If a new hire happens after January 2, players only get a 15-day window to enter the portal.
And while players can still withdraw from the portal and return to their current school, that’s become increasingly rare. Most who enter are looking for a fresh start - just like Agard.
For Virginia, this latest commitment is more than just another name on the roster. It’s part of a calculated effort to reshape the defense with players who bring both experience and potential. Agard fits that mold, and the Cavaliers are hoping he’ll be a key piece in a secondary that’s being rebuilt with purpose.