Football

Virginia Cavaliers’ Standouts Earn Spots on 2026 College Football Freaks List

Elite athleticism from McKale Boley, Makilan Thomas, and Beau Pribula highlights UVA’s rising NFL pipeline

Virginia’s Athletic Surge

Bruce Feldman’s annual ‘College Football Freaks List’ has become a barometer for NFL scouting, and the 2026 edition features three Virginia Cavaliers who are redefining what a college prospect can look like on the field.

Offensive tackle McKale Boley, the son of Super Bowl champion Michael Boley, measured in at 6‑5½, 330 pounds and posted a 9‑foot‑3½‑inch broad jump, a 4.50‑second 5‑10‑5 shuttle, and other metrics that eclipse recent combine benchmarks.

Guard Makilan Thomas, who transferred from Arkansas State, impressed with a 480‑pound close‑grip bench press, a 600‑pound back squat, a 30½‑inch vertical leap and a 4.38‑second shuttle, numbers that place him among the most explosive interior linemen in the country.

Quarterback Beau Pribula, after a transfer from Penn State to Missouri and a stint at Virginia, completed 67.4% of his passes for 1,941 yards, 11 touchdowns and nine interceptions while also contributing on the ground, showcasing a blend of arm strength and mobility.

Their performances are not just statistical curiosities; they signal a broader transformation within the Cavaliers’ program, where strength coaching, nutrition and player development have converged to produce athletes ready for the next level.

Analysts expect the trio to be early‑round considerations in the upcoming draft, and their success could attract top recruits who see Virginia as a launchpad for professional careers.

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