Xander Tilock

Joined: May 29, 2026

Xander Tilock serves as the lead editor for Virginia on SI. He previously spent four years as a Senior Writer/Sports Editor for The Cavalier Daily, where he authored the publication’s most articles since 2017 and was named Literary Writer of the Year in 2023. Xander has been referenced on ACC Network, Yahoo Sports, Sirius XM ACC Radio, UVA Today, The Virginian-Pilot, and dozens of other publications nationwide. Outside of journalistic endeavors, Xander graduated with distinction from the University of Virginia in 2026. He is also a proud owner of the Green Bay Packers — and for a final twist, you can find him acting, writing, directing, and producing films and plays. Follow Xander on X @xandertilock

Xavier Brown scores a touchdown, and throws up the 'X' to celebrate.

Aug 29, 2026; Charlottesville, Virginia, USA; Virginia Cavaliers head coach Tony Elliott exits the field following the game against the North Carolina State Wolfpack at Scott Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Greg Atkins-Imagn Images

Aug 29, 2026; Charlottesville, Virginia, USA; Virginia Cavaliers running back Xay Davis (25) rushes for touchdown during the fourth quarter of the game against the North Carolina State Wolfpack at Scott Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Greg Atkins-Imagn Images

Tony Elliott and Brandyn Hillman celebrate a turnover forced by Virginia's defense.

Beau Pribula commanded the Cavaliers offense.

Virginia started the 2026 season with a bang, defeating NC State ____ at Scott Stadium. The Cavaliers excelled in all phases of play and made a statement by bla

Nov 8, 2025; Charlottesville, Virginia, USA; Virginia Cavaliers players run onto the field prior to their game against the Wake Forest Demon Deacons at Scott Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Amber Searls-Imagn Images

Pregame Gameday has arrived. At 3:30, Virginia and NC State will play the first ACC game of the 2026 season. The result of this matchup could play a major role

The Cavalier Marching Band paraded for Paint the Town Orange.

Gameday has finally arrived. The first test on Virginia’s journey back to title contention comes against a talented NC State team — but this game impacts more t

Nov 29, 2025; Charlottesville, Virginia, USA; Virginia Cavaliers quarterback Chandler Morris (4) scrambles from Virginia Tech Hokies linebacker Kaleb Spencer (3) in the second quarter at Scott Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-Imagn Images

Less than 24 hours from now, Virginia and NC State will begin a crucial ACC football game. A bevy of new Cavaliers will don their special orange uniforms and jo

Sep 22, 2023; Charlottesville, Virginia, USA; Virginia Cavaliers running back Mike Hollins (7) is tackled by North Carolina State Wolfpack safety Sean Brown (0) during the third quarter at Scott Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports

The eve of gameday has arrived after an offseason odyssey. At 3:30 p.m. Saturday, Virginia and NC State will battle for first place in the ACC. It is a high-sta

Dec 27, 2025; Jacksonville, FL, USA; Virginia Cavaliers win is shown on the scoreboard after defeating the Missouri Tigers at EverBank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Travis Register-Imagn Images

Tomorrow, there will be college football. The Virginia Cavaliers begin the 2026 season with an ACC duel against NC State. Beyond that, though, the 2026 season s

Nov 29, 2025; Charlottesville, Virginia, USA; Virginia Cavaliers tight end Tekai Kirby (81) leaps onto the wall in the student sections to celebrate with students and fans after their game against the Virginia Tech Hokies at Scott Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-Imagn Images

Virginia is not starting the season with an essentially guaranteed victory over an FCS opponent. The Cavaliers begin their season with a crucial ACC battle agai

Virginia Cavaliers quarterback Beau Pribula launches the football at fall camp practice.

Several new Cavaliers will be making their Virginia debuts Saturday in the season opener. Dozens of transfers (and freshmen) will be hoping to see the field, es

Aug 30, 2025; Charlottesville, Virginia, USA; Virginia Cavaliers running back Harrison Waylee (21) carries the ball as Coastal Carolina Chanticleers cornerback Myles Mooyoung (8) defends during the second half at Scott Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Amber Searls-Imagn Images

Football

Continuing a home opener tradition, Virginia football will don white helmets with orange jerseys and pants for its game Saturday against NC State. Graduate tigh

Nov 29, 2025; Charlottesville, Virginia, USA; Virginia Cavaliers students pile onto the field from the student hill after the Cavaliers' game against the Virginia Tech Hokies at Scott Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-Imagn Images

Virginia football gameday is almost here. In advance of the season opener, I am answering a few questions submitted by readers. The theme of this mailbag is Vir

Sep 6, 2025; Raleigh, North Carolina, USA; North Carolina State Wolfpack safety Brody Barnhardt (29) tackles Virginia Cavaliers running back J'Mari Taylor (3) during the second half of the game at Carter-Finley Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jaylynn Nash-Imagn Images

In just three days, the Virginia Cavaliers will fight to start the season 1-0. Coach Tony Elliott’s team has battled and tinkered through a long offseason to ge

Virginia Cavaliers running back Xay Davis (25) drives up field during the second quarter of the TaxSlayer Gator Bowl at EverBank Stadium Saturday December 27, 2025 in Jacksonville, Fla. [Doug Engle/Florida Times-Union]

Saturday kickoff is almost here for Virginia — and game week preparations have been underway for the past few days. The next big nugget of information to arrive

Xander Tilock

Joined: May 29, 2026

The Great Wall of Virginia and ‘Big Boy Football’

Tony Elliott’s Virginia program just won an enormously consequential audition

Position grades for Virginia’s win over NC State: Cavaliers excel

Three crucial notes to know from Tony Elliott’s presser post-NC State win

Instant takeaways from UVA’s dominant win over NC State

LIVE Updates - Virginia Cavaliers vs NC State Wolfpack Football

What we need to see from Virginia football in season opener against NC State

Virginia vs. NC State: Game preview, matchup breakdown and final score prediction

Staff predictions — how will Virginia fare against NC State?

Twelve reasons to be optimistic about Virginia football in 2026

Three key matchups will determine if Virginia can beat NC State

Three offensive players to watch for Virginia against NC State

Virginia reveals uniform combination for week zero matchup vs NC State

MAILBAG: Virginia and NC State set for a high-stakes opener

Ten important notes to know for Virginia vs. NC State

Virginia releases official depth chart for week zero matchup against NC State