While kickoff in Brazil is still months away, the roster-building work for the 2026 season in well underway at Virginia.
The NCAA transfer portal window officially opened on Friday. In the days leading up to that formality, some players announced plans to return and others announced their intent to enter the portal. Here’s a quick rundown of that news as of noon on Jan. 2. (Note, many returning players won’t make any sort of announcement.)
- Returning: defensive back Ja’Maric Morris; offensive linemen Noah Josey, Drake Metcalf, Monroe Mills, Makilan Thomas
- Entering portal: defensive backs Ja’Son Prevard and Dre Walker; defensive linemen Mekhi Buchanan, Terrell Jones, and Hunter Osborne; linebackers Stevie Bracey, Maddox Marcellus and Trey McDonald; offensive lineman Tyshawn Wyatt; quarterback Grady Brosterhous; receivers Andre Greene Jr and Suderian Harrison.
Some UVA players will be waiting on waiver news as well. The most notable of those is quarterback Chandler Morris, who has petitioned the NCAA for an additional year believed to be based on playing limited snaps due to an injury in 2022 at TCU. There has been some message board debate about whether he will get that additional year or not. There was a report from ESPN’s David Hale about Morris submitting additional paperwork.
Either way, Virginia football General Manager Tyler Jones said prior to the Gator Bowl that the Hoos were “hopeful” about the process but that the administrative side of the program would plan out multiple scenarios at any position where a waiver was still pending.
As the Cavaliers and fans navigate this month’s frenzy of news, here are the positions and the likely portal needs.
- Quarterback: Even if Morris returns with a waiver, Virginia will likely want to add an experienced option to the room if it can. If not, the Hoos will be looking for a starter-quality transfer. Backup Daniel Kaelin will be a redshirt sophomore with limited game experience, assuming he returns.
- Running back: Both J’Mari Taylor and Harrison Waylee, the leading rushers in this group this season, are out of eligibility. The most experienced players expected to return, Xavier Brown and Noah Vaughn, both have injury history. Depth is needed here.
- Offensive line: UVA secured a lot of good news on the OL already with Metcalf and Josey returning as starters plus the two transfers from last year’s giving it another go after injuries cost them the 2025 season. Still, Virginia will want to add some depth, particularly on the interior with maybe an eye on center where Brady Wilson finished his career. The Hoos may be more selective at tackle, pending what they project among Mills, Thomas, and other possibilities in house.
- Tight end: Sage Ennis completed his eligibility, while Dakota Twitty will be trying to come back from an injury again. There is limited on-field experience in this group aside from John Rogers.
- Receiver: Virginia will probably look at some options here, but could have Trell Harris, Jahmal Edrine, Kam Courtney, and Eli Wood all back as contributors. Three freshmen also saw time in Isaiah Robinson, Dillon Newton-Short, and Josiah Abdullah. That list gives some flexibility at this spot.
- Defensive line: At tackle, Jahmeer Carter and Jacob Holmes both completed their careers, while Osborne has entered the transfer portal. There will need to be some depth added here even with Jason Hammond, Anthony Britton, and Sichan John still expected to be in the fold. On the ends, there could be room for additions but Fisher Camac, Billy Koudelka, Jewett Hayes, and possibly Mitchell Melton (pending a return decision) could be a starting point that allows some flexibility.
- Linebacker: With Kam Robinson missing the end of the season with an ACL injury, James Jackson out of eligibility, Bracey, Marcellus, and McDonald transferring, this is a position of need. Landon Danley and Caleb Hardy, both converted safeties that played in some situations, would be the most experienced options if they return.
- Safety: Devin Neal and Antonio Clary exit college football with a lot of experience and a lot of experience, leaving a need behind on the UVA roster. Ethan Minter played snaps each of the last two seasons and other defensive backs on the roster could be options to slide over. Still, this is a spot that needs more competition and depth. Corey Costner played the nickel back/third safety spot and should be a key name in 2026.
- Punter: Daniel Sparks finished his career, leaving only Elijah Slibeck at the position. Both players punted and handled kickoff duties at times. The team can’t/won’t carry only one punter, though.
- Kicker: Will Bettridge could have another year of eligibility if he chooses to pursue a waiver. UVA does have freshman Jorge Diaz Nicholas and possibly senior Vadin Brout if he returns. Tim Hamann from nearby St. Anne’s-Belfield will join as a true freshman next season as well.
- Long snapper: The Hoos brought in Bryce Robinson last season for one year, while freshman Jacob Tannenbaum is the only other player listed. Expect UVA to add a long snapper during the portal cycle.
What positions do you think the Hoos should pursue in the portal? Jump into the ongoing conversations on the message board.
Fan(s) Of The Week
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Cheering the Cavaliers on the hill.
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Thijs De Ridder and Virginia enter 2026 with an 11-2 record.
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