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

Feb 21, 2026; Charlottesville, Virginia, USA; the newly dedicated Tony Bennett Court during the game between the Virginia Cavaliers and Miami (FL) Hurricanes at John Paul Jones Arena. Mandatory Credit: Emily Faith Morgan-Imagn Images

Mar 23, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; Richmond Spiders head coach Aaron Roussell during the second quarter of an NCAA Tournament second round game against the UCLA Bruins at Pauley Pavilion presented by Wescom. Mandatory Credit: Robert Hanashiro-Imagn Images

Mar 13, 2026; Charlotte, NC, USA; Virginia Cavaliers guard Sam Lewis (5) with the ball as Miami (FL) Hurricanes guard Tru Washington (10) defends in the second half at Spectrum Center. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-Imagn Images

Oct 18, 2025; Tuscaloosa, Alabama, USA; Tennessee Volunteers running back Peyton Lewis (2) is tackled by Alabama Crimson Tide defensive back Keon Sabb (3) during the second quarter at Saban Field at Bryant-Denny Stadium. Mandatory Credit: David Leong-Imagn Images

Sep 20, 2025; Charlottesville, Virginia, USA; Stanford Cardinal quarterback Ben Gulbranson (15) is stripped of the ball by Virginia Cavaliers linebacker Kam Robinson (5) after a hit by Cavaliers defensive tackle Anthony Britton (55) during the fourth quarter at Scott Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-Imagn Images

The picture of Virginia’s starting lineup is becoming clearer as the Cavaliers approach their season opener two weeks from now. Based on rumblings from fall cam

Sep 26, 2025; Charlottesville, Virginia, USA; Virginia Cavaliers quarterback Chandler Morris (4) celebrates with Cavaliers wide receiver Jayden Thomas (8) after throwing a touchdown pass against the Florida State Seminoles at Scott Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-Imagn Images

The 2026 season kicks off in just 15 days. Virginia football takes on the field Aug. 29 against NC State, aiming to start the campaign 1-0 and build towards ano

Sep 26, 2025; Charlottesville, Virginia, USA; Virginia Cavaliers defensive back Ja'son Prevard (10) is hugged by Cavaliers defensive back Donavon Platt (28) as fans storm the field after making a game winning interception in the end zone on a pass intended for Florida State Seminoles wide receiver Squirrel White (4) in the second overtime at Scott Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-Imagn Images

Virginia is nearing the end of fall camp, and the beginning of regular season preparations for the season opener Aug. 29 against NC State. The opening depth cha

Feb 24, 2024; Charlottesville, Virginia, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels forward Harrison Ingram (55) looks to pass the ball while Virginia Cavaliers Ryan Dunn (13) defends during the first half against the Virginia Cavaliers at John Paul Jones Arena. Mandatory Credit: Hannah Pajewski-USA TODAY Sports

PREVIOUS: Duke and Louisville Virginia enters the 2026-27 as an ACC heavyweight, and one of the favorites to contend for the conference title. The same applies

Sep 20, 2025; Charlottesville, Virginia, USA; Virginia Cavaliers tight end Sage Ennis (0) celebrates with Cavaliers tight end Dakota Twitty (9) after catching a touchdown pass against the Stanford Cardinal during the third quarter at Scott Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-Imagn Images

Last season, Virginia’s offense performed in two distinct phases. When tight ends Sage Ennis and Dakota Twitty were healthy, the Cavaliers scored 30-plus points

Jan 13, 2026; Louisville, Kentucky, USA; Virginia Cavaliers forward Thijs de Ridder (28) dribbles against Louisville Cardinals guard J'vonne Hadley (1) during the first half at KFC Yum! Center. Mandatory Credit: Jamie Rhodes-Imagn Images

Continuing the five on five series, Louisville comes to John Paul Jones area to face Virginia in the lone regular season matchup between these two ACC contender

Mar 20, 2026; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Virginia Cavaliers guard Sam Lewis (5) dunks during the second half against the Wright State Raiders during a first round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Xfinity Mobile Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Ross-Imagn Images

After Virginia’s 2025-26 season came to a close against Tennessee, Sam Lewis had one big choice to make — stay or go. The sharpshooting wing had other suitors.

Mar 14, 2026; Charlotte, NC, USA; Virginia Cavaliers center Johann Grünloh (17) and Duke Blue Devils guard Nikolas Khamenia (14) reach for the ball in the first half during the men's ACC Conference Tournament Championship at Spectrum Center. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-Imagn Images

Ahead of the 2026-27 season, we will compare Virginia’s starting lineup with the rest of the ACC. The Cavalier starters have yet to be finalized, but four of th

Nov 29, 2025; Charlottesville, Virginia, USA; Virginia Tech Hokies quarterback Kyron Drones (1) is tackled while running the ball on a fourth down by Virginia Cavaliers safety Ethan Minter (30) and Cavaliers safety Devin Neal (27) in the first quarter at Scott Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-Imagn Images

Virginia is gearing up for what it hopes will be a reprise of its stellar 2025 campaign. A big part of that effort will be the Cavaliers defense, a unit which q

Dec 27, 2025; Jacksonville, FL, USA; Virginia Cavaliers safety Antonio Clary (0) celebrates after defeating the Missouri Tigers at EverBank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Travis Register-Imagn Images

In fewer than three weeks, the first ACC football game of the 2026 season will be played at Scott Stadium. Virginia and NC State hit the field for Week Zero, wi

Baseball

In a few weeks, Virginia baseball will return to action as it starts the fall practice period. It will be a valuable fall for the Cavaliers — there are a ton of

Mar 14, 2026; Charlotte, NC, USA; Virginia Cavaliers head coach Ryan Odom instructs his team against the Duke Blue Devils during the men's ACC Conference Tournament Championship at Spectrum Center. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-Imagn Images

Prized recruit J’Lon Lyons will take an official visit to Virginia, according to a report by Dushawn London of 247Sports. Lyons, a guard from Waldorf, Md., is a

Xander Tilock

Joined: May 29, 2026

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