Virginia enters the 2026 season with a roster that leans heavily on experience, boasting 28 graduate students and 26 seniors.
The NCAA's "Five for Five" regulation eliminates redshirt eligibility for freshmen, forcing any newcomer to earn a spot on the field immediately.
The only true freshman who made a notable impact last season was safety Corey Costner, who contributed significantly to the Cavaliers' ACC championship run.
Linebacker Prospects
Derek Uran, who transferred from Cincinnati's Elder High School, posted 23.5 tackles for loss and 9.5 sacks in his senior year, while Dallas Brannon from Charlotte's Independence High School logged 108 tackles and draws comparisons to Kam Robinson. Both bring a blend of size, speed, and high‑school production that could translate into early contributions.
Receiver Competition
At receiver, DaMari Carter led Varina to the 2025 VHSL Class 4 state title and earned first‑team all‑state honors, while Dylan Cope amassed 132 catches for 1,809 yards and 17 touchdowns over his final three seasons. Their arrivals add to a crowded room that also includes transfers Rico Flores Jr., Da'Shawn Martin, Jacquon Gibson and Tyson Davis, prompting offensive coordinator Des Kitchings to favor a six‑man rotation to keep fresh legs on the field.
Kam Robinson, a preseason All‑ACC selection, is recovering from an ACL tear that ended his 2025 campaign, opening a path for senior Maddox Marcellus to start alongside him; senior Landon Danley, however, will miss the entire year with an undisclosed injury.
Defensive tackle Bull Richardson, a 6‑1, 300‑pound presence, may also see increased snaps as the line rotates to manage workload.
Overall, the Cavaliers' depth chart reflects a blend of seasoned veterans and promising newcomers, setting the stage for a competitive battle for positions as the season approaches.