Way-Too-Early Projection of Virginia's 2026-27 Starting Lineup

The Virginia Cavaliers have much to be proud of this past season after reaching the Second Round of the NCAA Tournament. Although the Tennessee Volunteers ultimately knocked them down 79-72, the Hoos can hold their heads high considering how well they performed throughout their season.

Looking ahead at next year, the Cavaliers will be without a handful of their star players, including Jacari White, Malik Thomas, Ugonna Onyenso, Dallin Hall and Devin Tillis. However, their younger faces are expected to return, but of course, their status with UVA depends on how they navigate the transfer portal.

With the portal opening soon, head coach Ryan Odom needs to analyze his roster and determine where his greatest needs are. Ahead of the opening, we've projected how Virginia's starting lineup could look during its 2026-27 campaign. To note, this projection is entirely dependent on who enters the portal.

F- Thijs de Ridder

De Ridder led UVA in both points and rebounds this year, and despite being a first-year player, he is 23 years old—he brings plenty of experience to the court. By the end of the season, he was averaging 15.6 points, 6.2 rebounds and 1.6 assists per game, while shooting 50.8% from the floor. During his time in the tourney, he averaged 16 points, 5.5 rebounds and two assists. De Ridder is one of those key players that Virginia would hate to lose, as he's consistently played such a significant role in the Hoos' success this season. As long as he stays put, fans can bank on seeing him start once again.

C- Johann Grünloh

Grünloh is the second-highest rebounder (5.2), trailing only De Ridder. As a 7'0" freshman, he brings intimidating height and young energy to John Paul Jones Arena, which Virginia can continue to capitalize on. This year, he averaged 7.1 points, 5.2 rebounds and 2.2 blocks per game. He has been another piece to the puzzle, and UVA is likely to place him in the starting five.

G- Sam Lewis

Lewis has had some shock factors this season, but the one that started to turn heads was his Jan. 3 matchup against the NC State Wolfpack, in which he logged 23 points and one assist. This was his season-high, but he followed up with additional contributions throughout the remainder of his campaign. He was not a consistent leader in statistical categories, but he certainly claimed the spotlight multiple times.

G- Chance Mallory

This is where things start to take a turn, as Thomas and Hall will be departing. Taking into account Mallory's stunning performance this year, he would make an excellent starter for Virginia. He averaged 9.3 points, 3.7 rebounds and 3.4 assists, and despite being only a freshman, he is quite a game-changer for UVA.

Elijah Gertrude

As one of Virginia's largely overshadowed players, Gertrude could find his way to the starting five next year. The 6'4" sophomore guard recorded an average of 1.7 points, 0.8 rebounds and 0.6 assists this year. Now, he didn't play a major role for the Cavaliers at any point, but that doesn't mean he couldn't gain an opportunity when the season rolls around. Ultimately, UVA will be without some notable players, so Odom must navigate the offseason carefully.

Overall

This is admittedly a difficult exercise given that we don't know how Virginia is going to attack the transfer portal in the coming weeks, but provided that nobody leaves, at least four of those spots seem certain. While replacing Ugonna Onyenso, Dallin Hall, Jacari White, and Malik Thomas is not going to be easy, next year's team could be just as good or even better.