Virginia Quietly Becoming Dominant Basketball Program Again

Ryan Odom has Virginia basketball back on the national scene and is doing it his way -- very, very quietly.

Published on Feb. 25, 2026

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Virginia basketball has been one of the most surprising teams in the country this season, rolling through its schedule with a dominant 90-61 win over N.C. State. After a difficult season last year following the abrupt retirement of Tony Bennett, new head coach Ryan Odom has brought an enjoyable and winning brand of basketball to the program, built on toughness, efficiency, and skill. With only three losses on the season and in sole possession of second place in the ACC, Virginia now sets its sights on a showdown against No. 1 Duke, with a chance to make a statement that the Cavaliers are back on the national scene.

Why it matters

Virginia has long been one of the top basketball programs in the ACC, known for its stout defense and disciplined style of play under Tony Bennett. After a down year last season, the Cavaliers' resurgence under new coach Ryan Odom is a testament to the program's ability to adapt and remain competitive at the highest level of college basketball.

The details

In his first season as Virginia's head coach, Ryan Odom has implemented a more up-tempo and offensively-focused style of play, moving away from the Cavaliers' traditional defensive-minded approach. The results have been impressive, as Virginia has won nine straight games since its loss to North Carolina, including a dominant 90-61 victory over N.C. State. With only three losses on the season, the Cavaliers now find themselves in sole possession of second place in the ACC standings.

  • On Tuesday night, Virginia defeated N.C. State 90-61 in Charlottesville.
  • Since its loss to North Carolina, No. 11 Virginia has won nine straight games.
  • Virginia's showdown against No. 1 Duke is scheduled for this Saturday.

The players

Ryan Odom

In his first season as the head coach of the Virginia Cavaliers, Odom has led the team to a strong start and has them positioned for a potential showdown with Duke.

Tony Bennett

The former head coach of the Virginia Cavaliers, who abruptly retired prior to the start of the 2022-23 season, leaving the program in a difficult position.

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What’s next

Saturday's showdown on the road against No. 1 Duke takes on a much bigger meaning, as Virginia looks to make a statement to the rest of the country that the Cavaliers are back on the national scene.

The takeaway

Virginia's resurgence under new head coach Ryan Odom demonstrates the program's ability to adapt and remain competitive at the highest level of college basketball, even after a difficult season. The Cavaliers' upcoming showdown against Duke will be a chance for them to officially announce their return to the national stage.