The Virginia football team opened the 2026 season in emphatic fashion, dominating and demoralizing NC State 34-8 at Scott Stadium. UVA led wire to wire, produced 2 touchdowns of 45 yards or more and another 23-play scoring drive too, and secured 2 takeaways by the defense. So, yeah, it was convincing.
But was it convincing enough?
The Cavaliers currently own a 12-3 record over the last 15 games. There are multiple double-digit ACC wins in that time: 48-20 against Stanford, 31-21 at California, 34-17 at Duke, 27-7 against Virginia Tech, and 34-8 against NC State. With 5 on the list, almost half of the team’s dozen victories of late have ended up with two-score margins in league play, though the Cal game was close into the final minutes.
So the Hoos are not really in fluke territory at this point. They are putting together some really strong performances.
Still, Virginia fan history brings nerves to the table. Some might say always, no matter what. Others may throw caution to the wind for the moment. Either way, it makes for an interesting mix of emotions.
That’s the topic of this thread on the Sabre football message board (if you haven’t been on for the new look, yet, get there quick!). The Preferred Walk-Ons Podcast, part of the TheSabre.com Podcast Network, is focused on the ACC and Virginia's place in it and has a UVA host and NC State co-host. The latter host thought the UVA crowd at Scott Stadium last Saturday was a little hesitant and unsure of itself even after the Hoos jumped out to the big lead.
It’s the proverbial Lucy pulling the football on Charlie Brown or waiting for the other shoe to drop idea. That’s something that’s been weaved into the experience at this point with fans noting in the thread multiple examples of that exact thing happening just when it seemed like the getting was good. Still, the host said the point of bringing it up on the podcast was to encourage Virginia fans to dive in and enjoy the ride for what’s a really successful run right now on the football field.
Here are some responses from the thread:
“Since I arrived on the Grounds in 1980, UVA football has been my number one passion in the world of sports. My wife will tell you that I’m a different person when watching UVA football.
Over those 46 years I’ve learned to be very very cautiously optimistic at best and sometimes downright pessimistic about our chances as a new season emerges. In my mind, when there are low expectations, we seem to exceed them yet when expectations are high, we fall short.
So, I try to temper my excitement to protect myself. I was bullish on us last year and have raised expectations for this season but I’m still cautious. So, yes, I believe, based on our history, that there are many UVA fans out there just like me. We don’t have the pedigree to go into every season expecting to be world beaters like UGA, Bama, Ohio State, etc.” ~ 85atlanta-hoo
“I definitely still feel hesitant. Going to a Game or watching was my favorite thing to do. I’m pleased with the progress, but need another good year. I watch every game but my emotional attachment has shifted to basketball.” ~ SuwaneeGAHoo
“I warned everybody at our tailgate that if we trounced the Pack I was going off the rails. I am - flying with optimism, enthusiasm, and all the other isms that make sense here. LFG!” ~ Hooticus Finch
So what do you think? Are UVA fans reluctant/hesitant to be excited - fully, all-in, no holding back excited - about the football team and the program’s potential right now? Do you sense that (some) Virginia fans are still a little unsure of how excited to be about the football program? Jump in the thread or answer in the comments below.
And make sure to check out some fans having a great time during the win this past Saturday for the weekly picks below.
Fan(s) Of The Week
Go Hoos!
Student Fan(s) Of The Week
There were plenty of reasons to celebrate at Scott Stadium.
Feature Photo Of The Week
Dane Steele celebrates the UVA football team’s season-opening win.
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