Virginia Cavaliers Unveil Projected 2026-27 Starting Lineup

Cavaliers look to reload after losing several key players to graduation and the transfer portal.

Apr. 1, 2026 at 6:03pm

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The Virginia Cavaliers are coming off a successful season that saw them reach the Second Round of the NCAA Tournament, but they will be without several of their top players next year. Head coach Ryan Odom must navigate the transfer portal to rebuild his roster, but the Cavaliers are expected to return a core group of contributors, including leading scorer Thijs de Ridder and promising young center Johann Grünloh.

Why it matters

Virginia is a perennial contender in the ACC, and the team's ability to reload and remain competitive will be closely watched by fans and analysts alike. The Cavaliers' starting lineup decisions could have a major impact on their chances of making another deep postseason run.

The details

De Ridder, a 23-year-old first-year player, led the Cavaliers in both points and rebounds last season, averaging 15.6 points, 6.2 rebounds, and 1.6 assists per game. Grünloh, a 7'0" freshman, was second on the team in rebounding at 5.2 per game and also averaged 7.1 points and 2.2 blocks. Other projected starters include sophomore guard Sam Lewis, who had a breakout performance against NC State, and freshman guard Chance Mallory, who averaged 9.3 points, 3.7 rebounds, and 3.4 assists.

  • Virginia reached the Second Round of the 2026 NCAA Tournament.
  • The transfer portal will open soon, allowing players to explore options to play elsewhere.

The players

Thijs de Ridder

A 23-year-old first-year player who led Virginia in points and rebounds last season, averaging 15.6 points, 6.2 rebounds, and 1.6 assists per game.

Johann Grünloh

A 7'0" freshman who was second on the team in rebounding at 5.2 per game and also averaged 7.1 points and 2.2 blocks.

Sam Lewis

A sophomore guard who had a breakout performance against NC State, logging 23 points and one assist.

Chance Mallory

A freshman guard who averaged 9.3 points, 3.7 rebounds, and 3.4 assists, and could be a game-changer for the Cavaliers next season.

Elijah Gertrude

A 6'4" sophomore guard who recorded an average of 1.7 points, 0.8 rebounds, and 0.6 assists this year, and could earn a starting spot.

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What they’re saying

“Provided that nobody leaves, at least four of those spots seem certain. While replacing Ugonna Onyenso, Dallin Hall, Jacari White, and Malik Thomas is not going to be easy, next year's team could be just as good or even better.”

— Ryan Odom, Head Coach, Virginia Cavaliers

What’s next

With the transfer portal opening soon, head coach Ryan Odom will need to carefully analyze his roster and determine where the team's greatest needs are as he looks to rebuild the lineup.

The takeaway

Despite losing several key players, the Virginia Cavaliers have a strong core returning and could be poised for another successful season if they can navigate the transfer portal effectively and find the right pieces to complement their young talent.