After adding four offensive linemen during the winter transfer portal window, the Virginia football team went back to the well for another addition during the spring cycle. The latest commitment comes from Wallace Unamba, who considered the Hoos in the winter but went to Kentucky instead before re-entering the portal.

Multiple media outlets reported the decision, including On3's Pete Nakos.

Unamba began his career with three years at Kilgore Community College at the junior college level. He earned All-American honors twice there while not allowing a sack in either season. He stepped up to the Division I level in 2023 when he joined Florida Atlantic, but actually never appeared in a game there as he redshirted that season

The 6'4", 330-pound lineman transferred to New Mexico in 2024 and became a starter for the Lobos. He started at right tackle and allowed no sacks last season in 10 games. Pro Football Focus tagged Unamba as playing 699 snaps with a 64.8 run blocking grade and a 67.4 pass blocking grade. That came under former Cavalier coach Bronco Mendenhall, who took the head coaching job at Utah State.

Unamba entered the transfer portal and landed in Kentucky where he participated in spring practices. The Wildcats had shifted him inside to guard. He re-entered the portal at the conclusion of spring practices and reconnected with Virginia, which had recruited him during the winter. The Cavaliers have been aggressive at the offensive line spots as Unamba is the fifth O-Line commitment as a transfer this offseason. Monroe Mills (Oklahoma State/Texas Tech/Louisville), Kevin Wigenton II (Illinois/Michigan State), Tyshawn Wyatt (JMU), and Brady Wilson (UAB) previously came to UVA as well. Mills suffered an ACL injury in spring practices, though, and is out for the season.

In addition to the loss of Mills, Blake Steen, Virginia's starting right tackle last season, entered the transfer portal. With several rotation players, including All-ACC center Brian Stevens, also finished with their careers at UVA, the Hoos knew an offseason reboot of the offensive line would be a focus this offseason. The Virginia offense ranked 123rd and 132nd nationally the past two seasons in sacks allowed.

The Hoos will enter 2025 with at least 8 linemen that have previous starting experience. That includes Unamba, who will try to win a starting spot in a room with more depth and experience than in recent seasons.

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