BY: KENNY VARNER

The Virginia Cavaliers got off to a promising 4–1 start last season but faltered down the stretch, losing six of their final seven games to finish 5–7—missing a bowl game once again. This season, however, there’s quiet optimism in Charlottesville that the pieces are in place to finally get back to postseason play. For the first time in years, Virginia enters the season with what appears to be a competent and consistent quarterback. It won’t be easy, but with improved play under center and strides on defense, the Cavaliers have a manageable schedule that could guide them to six wins and bowl eligibility.

Over the past three seasons, Virginia has struggled to find stability at quarterback, alternating between Tony Muskett and Anthony Colandrea—neither of whom fully lived up to expectations. Enter Chandler Morris, now at his fourth stop after stints at TCU, Oklahoma, and North Texas. Last season at North Texas, everything clicked for Morris as he threw for 3,774 yards, completed 63.1% of his passes, and posted an impressive 31-to-12 touchdown-to-interception ratio. He’s also a capable runner, adding over 200 yards on the ground.

Despite flashes of talent, Virginia hasn’t scored more than 300 points in a season over the last three years. Last season, the Cavaliers averaged just 22.7 points per game, ranking 16th in the ACC—only Florida State was worse. Much of that inefficiency stemmed from a poor offensive line, which has been a weak point since head coach Tony Elliott arrived. The left side of the line brings back tackle McKale Boley and guard Noah Josey. Louisville transfer Monroe Mills showed promise at tackle before suffering an ACL tear, while Blake Steen transferred out to Mississippi State, leaving the unit thin. UAB transfer Brady Wilson is expected to help, but depth remains a serious concern.

At running back, the Cavaliers have options. NC Central transfer Latrell Collier arrives after an impressive 1,146-yard, 15-touchdown season. He’ll join Xavier Brown, who showed flashes last year as Virginia’s second-leading rusher with 488 yards and an average of 6.0 yards per carry. The receiving corps took a hit with the loss of the team’s top two pass catchers, but Trell Harris is expected to take another step forward as a deep threat. Virginia also added Jamal Edrine from Purdue—a speedy playmaker who can stretch the field—and Notre Dame transfer Jayden Thomas, who has the potential to make an immediate impact. If the offensive line can come together over the course of the season, the Cavaliers have enough skill-position talent to make a run at a bowl game.

Defensively, Virginia’s front seven was once again one of the ACC’s worst in generating pressure, finishing with just 18 sacks. That must improve, and help is on the way. Six starters return, including defensive linemen Anthony Britton, Jahmeer Carter, and promising tackle Jason Hammond. The Cavaliers addressed their pass rush through the portal, adding Mitchell Melton from Ohio State and Cazeem Moore from Elon. Transfers Hunter Osborne (Alabama) and Fisher Camac (UNLV) will add depth to the defensive front. The linebacker group looks like the strength of the defense, led by rising star Kam Robinson in the middle, with solid contributors Trey McDonald and James Jackson flanking him.

One of the biggest question marks is in the secondary, particularly at cornerback. Depth is lacking, and the Cavaliers may have to shuffle to find reliable starters. Complicating matters, standout corner Jamari “Jam” Jackson is dealing with a knee injury that could linger throughout the season. On a more positive note, the safety position looks solid, with Louisville transfer Devin Neal bringing range and leadership, while Antonio Clay provides physicality as a heavy hitter.

This could be another uphill battle for Virginia, but there’s a clearer path to success than in years past. Head coach Tony Elliott was recently voted 16th out of 17 ACC coaches, a reflection of growing skepticism around his tenure. While some of that criticism is warranted, it’s hard to ignore that he’s yet to field an offensive line even close to competent. That weakness continues to threaten to derail a unit that otherwise has intriguing playmakers.

The schedule starts off soft, and Virginia could be favored in up to five games, with a couple of toss-ups that could swing in their favor. There’s a road to six wins and a bowl game. But if Elliott can’t get this team over the hump in Year Four, the Cavaliers may be ready to go in a new direction.