Cavaliers Reload with Latest Transfer Class

Virginia football adds 43 newcomers, including 29 transfers, to bolster roster for 2026 season

Feb. 4, 2026 at 8:07pm

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The University of Virginia football team's roster underwent major changes after the 2024 season, with more than 50 newcomers joining the program last year, including 32 transfers. Head coach Tony Elliott was unsure how the old and new would mesh, but the Cavaliers' 2025 season proved he could successfully integrate the influx of talent. This year, UVA has signed 14 high school players and added 29 more transfers, including two from the Ivy League, to further bolster the roster.

Why it matters

In the era of widespread player movement, significant roster turnover has become an annual occurrence for most top college football programs. Virginia's ability to successfully integrate a large number of transfers in 2025 demonstrated that it's possible to quickly rebuild a contending team through the portal, and the Cavaliers are aiming to replicate that formula again this year.

The details

Of the 43 total signees, 34 are already enrolled and training at UVA, while the other 9 will arrive after the school year ends. The 29 transfers have combined to play 22,953 snaps of college football, and 13 will compete as graduate students this fall. The Cavaliers needed to bolster the quarterback position after losing their top two QBs, so they added transfers Beau Pribula from Missouri and Eli Holstein from Pittsburgh. They also brought in several defensive backs and running backs to add depth and competition at those positions.

  • The Cavaliers signed 14 high school players in December 2025.
  • The transfer portal opened in December 2025, and Virginia added 29 transfers at that time.

The players

Tony Elliott

Head coach of the University of Virginia football team, in his fifth year leading the program.

Chandler Morris

Virginia's starting quarterback in 2025 who has since moved on.

Beau Pribula

Transfer quarterback from Missouri who will compete for the starting job at Virginia.

Eli Holstein

Transfer quarterback from Pittsburgh who will also compete for the starting role at Virginia.

Jahmal Edrine

Virginia's top returning wide receiver, who had 46 catches for 564 yards and 1 TD in 2025.

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What they’re saying

“We were able to prove that it can be done. And so the key for us going into this cycle was making sure that we understood how we were able to do it and what it takes to be successful and try to replicate that formula as best we can, considering that the landscape was going to change again.”

— Tony Elliott, Head Coach

“When you look at Eli, obviously he came in at Pitt and tore it up for a little while and has a big arm, can make all the throws. He's also been in different programs, so you know kind of the DNA that he's bringing in the door. And then Beau is a guy that's had success when he's been in there. He can use his legs a little bit more [than Holstein], and also can make all the throws.”

— Tony Elliott, Head Coach

What’s next

The Cavaliers will hold spring practice and continue integrating the new players into the program ahead of the 2026 season.

The takeaway

Virginia's ability to successfully blend a large influx of transfers into its program in 2025 demonstrated that it's possible to quickly rebuild a contending team through the portal. The Cavaliers are aiming to replicate that formula again this year as they look to build on their historic 11-win season and ACC title.