3 Things We Are Learning From UVA Spring Camp, 3 Things We Still Don’t Know

The Virginia Cavaliers are well into spring football by now. Overall, the Hoos are looking solid, but there are still some unanswered questions that surround the program. This is a time for programs across the country to begin preparation for their upcoming campaigns, and the Cavaliers are no different. Let's take a look at what we're learning from Virginia's spring practices so far, and what we still need to find out.

What We Know

Virginia Cavaliers Tony Elliott standing on the field — Virginia Cavaliers head coach Tony Elliott | Travis Register-Imagn Images

Running Back Room Is Full

When J'Mari Taylor departed from UVA, there were concerns regarding Virginia's running back room. Taylor wrapped up his season, having rushed for 1,062 yards and 14 touchdowns on 222 carries—filling this gap would be taxing.

Fortunately, head coach Tony Elliott didn't waste much time replenishing this area. He pulled Peyton Lewis, Jekail Middlebrook, and Solomon Beebe out of the portal, immediately bolstering this position.

Offensive Line Is Equipped With Experience

More now than ever, Virginia has a highly experienced offensive line, and one that is equipped with remarkable talent. McKale Boley, Drake Metcalf, and Noah Josey are the key returning starters here, but Elliott also brought on Alex Payne and Ryan Brubaker. As for Monroe Mills and Makilan Thomas, both of these offensive linemen were sidelined last season due to injury, but they bring substantial veteran energy to the program.

Newfound Confidence For Noah Vaughn

Last season presented a rough bout for running back Noah Vaughn. He only made four game appearances and rushed for 174 yards on 23 carries, averaging 7.6 yards per carry. That certainly wasn't how he had hoped to have his campaign play out, but he took the setback in stride and is focusing on the season to come.

"I felt like last year was supposed to be my year," said Vaughn, per Jeff White of Virginia Sports. "So, finally getting that breakout game to where I feel comfortable on the field [and then] going down with that injury, it really made me [understand] how much I love this. It took everything to try to come back that same season, and although I couldn't successfully do it, I love this team. Sometimes things just don't go your way. I was humbled to be in that position, but I also learned a lot about myself, about the team, and I look forward to being healthy this year at the ACC championship.”

What We Still Need To Find Out

Missouri Tigers Beau Pribula throwing a football — Missouri Tigers quarterback Beau Pribula | Steve Roberts-Imagn Images

What Will Quarterback Look Like?

As mentioned, there is great depth in Elliott's quarterback room this year between Beau Pribula and Eli Holstein, and now, there's even more clarity for this position as former starter Chandler Morris was denied an additional year of eligibility. But with Pribula and Holstein both still battling it out, it's unclear exactly how things are going to look in the quarterback department.

Will The Transfers Mesh As Well This Year?

In 2025, Elliott's transfers formed chemistry on the field rather quickly, and they meshed quite well with the returning players. This was evidenced by the performance and leadership of Morris, Taylor, Harrison Waylee, and Cam Ross, all of whom were transfers.

Looking ahead, it's clear that UVA's 29 incoming transfers bring immense skill, but building chemistry as a program is the other half—will the Cavaliers see as much success this year with their transfer class?

What’s the Identity of UVA’s Team This Year?

This question will take a little bit longer to figure out. Again, much of this boils down to how well the players are able to mesh with each other on and off the field. Elliott is entering his fifth season as Virginia's head coach, and after making a deep run last year, the Hoos are looking to return to the ACC Championship Game. Now, the identity that is formed within this program will ultimately be the determining factor.