College Football Preview 2025: Virginia Cavaliers

• Head Coach: Tony Elliott (fourth season)
• 2024 Record: 5-7
• Strength of Schedule: 65th
• PFF Projected Win Total: 6.3
• FanDuel Win Total: 6.5

2024 Recap

After back-to-back three-win seasons to begin his tenure, Tony Elliott showed progress in Year 3 with a 5-7 record. Still, it wasn’t enough to secure a bowl bid, and Virginia remains without a postseason appearance since the 2019 Orange Bowl.

There’s reason for optimism in 2025, as the Cavaliers appear to have upgraded at quarterback, along the offensive line, and in the secondary through the transfer portal. However, questions still remain about the team’s offensive weapons.

Biggest Strength: Secondary

Virginia ranked just 109th in coverage grade last season but should field a much-improved secondary in 2025. Safety Antonio Clary returns after earning a team-best 79.5 PFF grade among defensive backs. The Cavaliers also brought in nine defensive backs through the transfer portal, including three projected starters, each of whom was a solid contributor at their previous school.

Biggest Weakness: Receiving corps