Anonymous ACC Coach Takes Aim at UVA—Here’s Why That Might Backfire

Athlon Sports recently released its annual anonymous coach poll—a preseason tradition known as much for unfiltered honesty as it is for anonymous potshots. This year, one of the most biting evaluations was aimed squarely at Virginia football and head coach Tony Elliott.

“These guys are in trouble, and most everyone expects there to be a staff change at the end of the season or earlier... They've never delivered on the offensive expectations Tony (Elliott) set coming from Clemson. They're sloppy on both sides of the ball, and we've seen some talented players come in, underperform and move on... (Chandler) Morris is a big improvement at QB and could save it for them if he clicks. The problem is they have a really thin line, and their running back left in the portal... This is a team you never really worry about playing. They lack discipline and they have no real identity. The parity in this league is increasing, and it will be really hard for this program to make a sharp turn up.” - ACC Assistant Coach

It’s a blistering quote—and while there’s a kernel of truth in some parts, much of it either misses the mark or flat-out ignores key context and offseason developments. Let’s break it all down.

“Everyone expects a staff change at the end of the season—or earlier.”

Let’s pump the brakes. There’s been no indication that Virginia would make an in-season move, even if the team struggles early. Athletic Director Carla Williams has shown continued confidence in Elliott, giving him the kind of leash most programs wouldn’t in today’s win-now climate.

The start of the 2025 schedule also gives the Cavaliers a real opportunity to generate momentum. UVA opens with Coastal Carolina, NC State, William & Mary, and Stanford. If the Hoos can come out of that stretch at 3–1—or even 4-0 with a win over NC State—Elliott will likely have bought himself breathing room for the rest of the season.

“They’ve never delivered on the offensive expectations Tony set coming from Clemson.”

That part’s not totally wrong. Elliott came to UVA with a reputation for building explosive, balanced offenses at Clemson. His first year in Charlottesville, however, was a rocky fit. Inheriting a team that thrived in a pass-heavy, up-tempo spread system under Bronco Mendenhall, Elliott attempted to install a more balanced, pro-style attack—and the results fell flat.

Then came the unthinkable: the 2022 tragedy that not only devastated the program emotionally but also derailed its development and recruiting momentum.

Since then, UVA has gone 3–9 and 5–7. But 2025 is different. For the first time in Elliott’s tenure, this roster is built to run his system. From the quarterback to the offensive line to the backfield, this is no longer a patchwork unit. This is Elliott’s team.

“They have a thin offensive line and their running back left in the portal.”

This part just isn’t true. Yes, Virginia lost some portal targets—Isaiah Augustave, a transfer from Colorado, flipped late in the cycle. But the Hoos added depth at running back, not lost it.

The 2025 RB room includes:

• Xavier Brown – a sparkplug when healthy
  
  

• J’Mari Taylor – MEAC standout at NC Central with over 1,100 yards and 15 touchdowns last season
  
  

• Harrison Waylee – a proven runner from Wyoming with Power 4 capability
  
  

On top of that, UVA rebuilt its offensive line with three portal additions expected to start:

• David Wohlabaugh Jr. (Syracuse)
  
  

• Brady Wilson (UAB)
  
  

• Wallace Unamba (New Mexico)
  
  

They’ll join returning contributors like Noah Josey, Drake Metcalf, and McKale Boley, creating what could be the most experienced and well-rounded line Elliott has had.

“There’s just not a lot of talent to put around Morris.”

That’s a lazy take. Chandler Morris, a transfer from North Texas, is a mobile and accurate passer who fits Elliott’s system well. But more importantly, he’s surrounded by legit weapons:

• Trell Harris – back from injury, and one of UVA’s best route runners
  
  

• Jahmal Edrine – a big-bodied Purdue transfer expected to be a go-to option
  
  

• Kameron Courtney – a Manassas native with breakout speed and elusiveness
  
  

• Dakota Twitty – a 6'5", 245-pound converted WR now playing tight end, creating matchup nightmares in the middle of the field
  
  

From top to bottom, this offense has balance, versatility, and more physicality than in years past.

“This team you never really worry about playing… They lack discipline and have no real identity.”

It’s no secret that Virginia has struggled with consistency, particularly in execution and penalties. But writing off the program as undisciplined or identity-less ignores the progress being made behind the scenes—and the fact that 2025 is the first true test of what Elliott has built.

And while the ACC is deep this year, UVA has one of the more manageable schedules in the league. The Cavaliers do not play Clemson, Miami, SMU, or Notre Dame. The toughest games on the schedule include:

• Florida State (Friday night at home)
  
  

• At Louisville
  
  

• At North Carolina (now led by Bill Belichick—yes, really)
  
  

• At Duke
  
  

• Home vs. Virginia Tech
  
  

There are no easy wins, but UVA should be competitive across most of the slate.

Final Thoughts: Bulletin Board Material

If I’m Coach Elliott, this quote is going on the wall—today. It’s the kind of outsider noise that can motivate a locker room and fuel a coaching staff that knows the stakes heading into this season.

2025 is the turning point. With a roster finally tailored to his system, a veteran offensive line, and a quarterback who can run the show, Elliott has the tools to prove the critics wrong.

Will it be enough to silence the doubters? We’ll find out soon. But make no mistake: this anonymous coach might want to think twice before sleeping on the Hoos.