These five players could be difference-makers for Virginia in 2026

Football is the ultimate team game, but talent matters. Just as one weak link or missed assignment can spell disaster, a dominant individual effort can help turn defeat into victory.

Virginia's 2026 team appears to have quantity and quality, with enough depth to mitigate even a rash of injuries. But if the Cavaliers hope to get back to the ACC title game, they'll need several of their most gifted players to stand out consistently.

Here's a brief look at five players who could make a difference for the Cavaliers this fall:

1. QB Beau Pribula

It would be concerning if Pribula wasn't on this list. Quarterback is arguably the most important position in any team sport. And if you read a recent ESPN article, the Cavaliers were fortunate to land Pribula, who saw several other potential landing spots unravel before he chose to come to Charlottesville.

Although his college career statistics aren't overwhelming, Virginia's players and coaches have raved about his arm strength, mobility, football IQ and leadership qualities. Those qualities should allow offensive coordinator Des Kitchings to expand his playbook, and the Cavaliers will need all of them to make it back to Charlotte and compete for their first-ever outright ACC championship.

2. LB Kam Robinson

Not since All-America end Chris Long have the Cavaliers had a defensive player who can dominate a game the way a healthy Robinson can. He has five career college interceptions -- and has returned three of them for touchdowns. He's also scored on a blocked punt return and provided the decisive points in last year's win over Washington State with a tackle for a safety.

Here's the big question: just how healthy is Robinson after a torn ACL prematurely ended his 2025 season? He rehabbed tirelessly, and Coach Tony Elliott is hopeful that he'll be ready to face NC State in the Aug. 29 season opener, but no one can say for sure.

Robinson likely won't be 100 percent at any point this season, but even at less than that, he can be a game-changer. A Virginia defense that ranked second in the ACC in points allowed (19.6) last season even though he missed six games will likely be even better with him.

3. OG Makilan Thomas

Cavalier fans had to be patient after an injury prevented Thomas from playing in 2025 following his transfer from Arkansas State. They're hoping he's worth the wait.

Slotted at right guard after playing tackle for the Red Wolves, Thomas made The Athletic's annual College Football Freaks List at No. 45. At 6-foot-3 and 317 pounds, he can bench press 480 pounds and squat 600, with a 30-inch vertical jump. His 4.38 shuttle time is faster than any offensive lineman at the NFL Combine in at least three years.

Inserting Thomas into an all-grad student offensive line with fellow freak McKale Boley, Noah Josey, Drake Metcalf and Monroe Mills could allow Virginia to have a dominant run game and give Pribula plenty of time to throw,

4. S Brandyn Hillman

A native of Chesapeake, Va., Hillman transferred back home after a coaching change at Michigan. He started 12 games and made 49 tackles for the Wolverines in 2025, a year after he was a backup on the national championship team.

More than numbers, though, he brings athleticism and leadership to the back line of an already strong defense. He and Ethan Minter should help erase any mistakes made by the players in front of them.

Defensive coordinator John Rudzinski was effusive in his praise for Hillman.

"His physicality [is elite]," Rudzinski said. "And then his range, his ability to get from sideline to sideline. And he's done a bunch of that in fall camp. I mean, he's one of those safeties that those receivers and tight ends are like, all right, where is he? They want to know because he's going to come down and he's going to make sure he puts his face mask on you, square and legally."

5. DE Devon Baxter

This one's a projection, because Baxter has no real college resume to speak of. He never saw game action in two seasons at Michigan and missed time in spring practice due to a shoulder injury. But the junior was a four-star recruit out of Maryland's Gwynn Park High School and at 6-foot-6 and 244 pounds, he's physically gifted — and motivated.

There are a lot of candidates for edge-rushing playing time, with Fisher Camac grabbing one of the starting spots. But Baxter may have the most physical potential. If he can utilize it, Virginia's defense could be special.

"We didn't know much about him on the field this spring just because he was down coming off the shoulder injury," Elliott said recently. "But he flashes. He can get to the quarterback. He's tough. He's physical. He plays with a high motor. Those are the things that I like about him."

"And he's still got a ton of upside because his body is still not fully developed and he can get really, really big and maintain his quickness and athletic ability. So I think he's got a chance to be a really, really good player long term."

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