Five Virginia Cavaliers who improved their chance at starting

In the coming days, Virginia’s official depth chart will be released for the Cavaliers’ game against NC State. Many positions will not be surprising — but perhaps a few depth pieces are slotted higher or lower than some expect.

DB Donavon Platt

Platt started most games for Virginia last year, but his starting spot was not guaranteed entering the 2026 season. Now that he has practiced well at the SPUR position, though, he can be a versatile piece for the Cavaliers. He may even start there early this season, which would enable Virginia to also start Omillio Agard and Jacobie Henderson on the boundary.

Corey Costner was expected to commandeer the SPUR position, but Platt has a few more seasons of experience. They could split snaps there as defensive coordinator John Rudzinski adapts his defense to game action.

WR Jacquon Gibson

Gibson appears to have a stronghold on a starting spot — specifically in the Cam Ross role at the slot receiver position. That role once seemed destined for Kam Courtney. Gibson impressed coaches with his hands, work ethic and attention to detail. He could emerge as a productive target for Beau Pribula.

TE Connor Cox

Cox is the frontrunner to earn the No. 2 tight end spot — which is effectively a starter in Des Kitchings’ offense. Cox is a senior who checks in at 6-foot-6 and 250 pounds, making him an experienced and intimidating blocker.

On some weekends, Cox might be an official starter if Virginia opts to begin a game in 12 or 22 personnel. Regardless, he has impressed the Cavaliers staff during fall camp and should garner some significant snaps.

RB Noah Vaughn

Just to be clear, Vaughn will not be the starter this year unless several injuries happen. Even so, he has impressed coaches more than ever before, and now that he is healthy, he should receive a career-high in carries.

Vaughn is a well-rounded running back with the ability to contribute as a receiving back, in pass protection or as a four-down back.

DE Devon Baxter

Similarly to Vaughn, Baxter will probably not start this year — but the latter has a better chance due to his position group. Baxter is a Michigan transfer with tremendous physical upside, and this coaching staff was heavily interested in him back during his high school recruitment.

The Cavaliers will probably cycle in several players at defensive end and BANDIT in order to see who can make the biggest impact as a pass rusher. Baxter might vault up the depth chart and could earn a start or two this year if he keeps performing well.

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