Virginia Football Needs These Players To Go From Good to Great in 2026

Will these Cavaliers be able to step it up in time?

Virginia Cavaliers linebacker Maddox Marcellus | Geoff Burke-Imagn Images

As the Virginia Cavaliers work their way through spring football, fans are getting a sneak peek into what the roster is going to look like during their upcoming campaign—who could potentially pave the way to success this year?

UVA is fortunate to have an overwhelming amount of talent on its hands as it is, but the Cavaliers have some hidden weapons that need to be utilized once the regular season rolls around. With that noted, here are three players who need to go from good to great if the Hoos want a shot at making a deep run in 2026.

LB Maddox Marcellus

Virginia Cavaliers linebacker Maddox Marcellus | Amber Searls-Imagn Images

This junior linebacker has the potential to be a key factor in Virginia's success next year. Toward the end of his 2025-26 campaign, he filled in the gap when Kam Robinson was sidelined due to injury, and at this moment, it became clear just how much potential Marcellus carries with him.

By the end of his season, he logged 49 tackles, 1.5 sacks and one interception. Looking ahead, he should have ample opportunities to take center stage once again, but taking advantage of any opportunity presented to him is imperative.

RB Jekail Middlebrook

Middle Tennessee running back Jekail Middlebrook | HELEN COMER/The Daily News Journal / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Middlebrook transferred to UVA during the offseason, and he's now gearing up for his first campaign with the Cavaliers. Last year, while playing for the Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders, he rushed for 752 yards with four touchdowns on 140 carries.

With last year's running back star J'Mari Taylor now off the table, Middlebrook has a clear path to making an impressive name for himself this season. But at the same time, he needs to continue stepping up and building momentum, particularly if he wants to fill Taylor's shoes.

QB Beau Pribula

Missouri Tigers quarterback Beau Pribula | Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images

Now, quarterback Beau Pribula is already a notable name in college football, but it's hard to believe that he doesn't have more in the tank. The Missouri Tigers' transfer is approaching his third year of collegiate play, and last year was his most productive season yet. He completed 182 of 270 passes for 1,941 yards, recording 11 touchdowns and nine interceptions along the way.

But with such a significant position battle in the air between Pribula and Eli Holstein, now is the time for Pribula to step up on the field. He's good, he's great, but there he is equipped with more fuel than he's letting on; will he turn up the heat this year?