Final score predictions for every Virginia football game this season

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In just 11 days, there will be a regular season football game at Scott Stadium. Virginia's 2026 campaign begins with a crucial ACC battle, and continues with several months of high-stakes Saturdays. In advance of the 2026 season, here is a final score prediction for each game.
NC State
The Cavaliers have a major advantage in experience, continuity and a home crowd for the season opener. Virginia should win a close battle and start the season 1-0. It would not be all that surprising if the Wolfpack steal a win, however — CJ Bailey is an elite talent.
Virginia 31, NC State 24
Norfolk State
If there was ever a chance to break 100, this might be it. The Cavaliers are playing one of the nation’s worst FCS teams from 2025 — and it should be a highlight frenzy for Virginia against Coach Michael Vick’s team.
Virginia 63, Norfolk State 6
West Virginia
The Mountaineers have some major holes on defense, and lack the experience and beef in the trenches that Virginia has. Cam Cook will make things interesting, but the Cavaliers should walk away with a comfortable victory.
Virginia 37, West Virginia 24
Delaware
It should be closer than Norfolk State, but Virginia has a massive advantage in all facets of play. Little sweat broken by the Cavaliers in this one.
Virginia 45, Delaware 10
Florida State
On paper, Virginia should have an advantage — but at the unfriendly confines in Tallahassee, Fla., this is a game that could quickly pivot towards Florida State. While there are still holes on their roster, the Seminoles have the talent to win this one.
Virginia 31, Florida State 35
Syracuse
The Orange may end up giving the Cavaliers a real scare. If quarterback Steve Angeli picks up where he left off, then Syracuse is capable of stealing a few upsets in 2026. The Orange probably do not have enough to steal a win in Charlottesville, though.
Virginia 31, Syracuse 24
SMU
Undoubtedly the biggest game on Virginia’s schedule, the road battle at SMU may end up being the play-in game for a trip to Charlotte. This should be the game in which the Cavaliers have the lowest chance of victory. The Mustangs should be expected to win.
Virginia 13, SMU 20
Duke
The Blue Devils have an extremely low ceiling after losing most of their elite players this offseason. Expect a similar result to Virginia’s win in Durham, N.C. last season.
Virginia 34, Duke 17
Wake Forest
The Demon Deacons have an aggressive defense that can match up well with the Cavaliers offense. This could very well be a trap game for Virginia, although Wake Forest has major red flags within its offense.
Virginia 13, Wake Forest 6
California
Virginia does have a strong defense, but the best offense it will see this regular season likely belongs to the Golden Bears. This should be a back-and-forth firefight between two teams jockeying for a spot in the conference title game.
Virginia 38, Cal 35
North Carolina
This rendition of The South’s Oldest Rivalry should be less tense than the previous one. North Carolina has a brutally low ceiling — and floor — and should be primed for a disastrous 2026 campaign.
Virginia 24, North Carolina 9
Virginia Tech
The Cavaliers have seldom entered a season with a strong chance to win in Blacksburg, Va., but 2026 is as close as it gets to them being at a 50 percent chance to win. Virginia’s depth and experience might lead to a major rivalry win on the road.
Virginia 27, Virginia Tech 24

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
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