UVa's ACC Kickoff Takeaways

UVa’s delegation met with the media yesterday during ACC Kickoff, just two weeks ahead of fall camp opening on Grounds. Roster changes and higher expectations were among the trends in yesterday’s availability, as the Hoos embark on a pivotal 2025 season.

Expectations will be higher in 2025

Head coach Tony Elliott started his time at the podium praising the support his program has received from UVa’s administration, staff and donors, all of whom he said has allowed his staff to build “the deepest and most complete roster we’ve had in four seasons.” With 54 new players, 32 transfers with 22 high school recruits, this new look roster will look to break a streak of three straight losing seasons following 2024’s 5-7 campaign.

With the Cavaliers confident they can finally turn the program around, graduate offensive lineman Noah Josey set expectations high, and added that he thinks fans would be surprised to know just how hungry this roster is for success.

“I think the sky’s the limit for this team,” he said. “I think with the talent we have and the resources we have, we can do what we put our minds to. I believe championships are not out of the question for us.”

UVa hopes roster continuity will help with new Hoos

While UVa has added 54 new players, it is also one of only six Power Four programs to return its entire staff. Elliott says he’s been very intentional in creating an environment where can “earn the trust and loyalty of the staff.” He said it’s also important for his players to hear a consistent voice so they have confidence with the system in place, especially with so many newcomers.

Elliott also stressed the importance of returners buying into the system so they can help welcome in and embrace the new faces. He believes his returners have stuck with UVa this year despite opportunities to leave because they know they are “on the verge of doing something special.”

With this in mind, he said his staff was very intentional in evaluating its newcomers, making sure they would fit the university and help infuse a winning culture into the program. Josey, a returner, started his time on the podium by praising them for these efforts, calling the newcomers “good character guys” who want to win.

Wahoos add plenty of needed experience

The 32 transfers brought in represent an additional 850 games of experience. After UVa led in nine of its 12 games last season, Elliott said his staff hope the extra experience will help the Wahoos close out more games.

That experience is evident in UVa’s new quarterback, graduate Chandler Morris. The Highland Park, Texas, native has spent time at Oklahoma (2020), TCU (2021-23) and North Texas (2024). He said his experience, both the success and adversity, has been crucial in his career and that it will be key in helping lead UVa to success this season.

“I’ve played a lot of snaps in college, I’ve got a good grasp on it,” he said, “and I’ve always said, ‘You can’t coach experience,’ and I really believe that.”

Elliott’s culture continues to draw praise

While his efforts so far have only garnered an 11-23 record over three seasons, Elliott continues to receive high praise from his players, with his culture helping him nab key recruits like Morris. 

The signal caller shared how’s known Elliott since he was “11, 12 years old” through his father, former Arkansas and SMU head coach Chad Morris. The respect his family has for Elliott was a major factor during his recruitment, as he knew the main thing he wanted was to be around “good people” for his final season. Graduate defensive tackle Jahmeer Carter, who is entering his sixth season at UVa, continued the praise of Elliott during his time on the podium.

“The thing about Coach Elliott is that he cares about you outside of football,” he said, “and I think that’s very important, because in this day and age, it’s hard to find a coach that truly cares about their players like he does.”

Now entering his fourth season, the pressure is on for Elliott’s culture and system to produce a winning season. The Cavaliers will kick off its 2025 season on August 30 when they host Coastal Carolina.