The Virginia Cavaliers entered the 2025 season with significant pressure surrounding head coach Tony Elliott.
Tony Elliott Leads Virginia To Historic Season
Entering his fourth season, Elliott had yet to produce the results many expected in Charlottesville. After compiling an 11-23 record through his first three seasons, Elliott appeared ot be coaching for his job. He responded with the best season in program history, leading Virginia to 11 wins and dramatically changing the trajectory of the program.
The Cavaliers also made the ACC Championship Game, but they fell to the Duke Blue Devils. A win in that game would have likely meant a spot in the College Football Playoff. Virginia would go on to defeat the Missouri Tigers 13-7 in the Gator Bowl.
The pressure has eased as we enter 2026, but Virginia now faces the challenge of proving last year’s success was the beginning of something sustainable rather than a one-year breakthrough. The release of the 2026 schedule only strengthened those expectations.
Greg McElroy Believes Virginia Could be ACC’s Surprise Team
ESPN’s Greg McElroy said on “Always College Football” that Virginia could be a team that isn’t being talked about enough, that could shock the ACC…