Elliott at ACC Kickoff: “We’re Built For This Now” - Everything UVA Coach Tony Elliott said at ACC Kickoff

Tony Elliott at ACC Kickoff: “We’re Built for This Now”

By Jack Lowe

Virginia head coach Tony Elliott took the podium at ACC Kickoff in Charlotte with something rare in college football these days: continuity, clarity, and confidence.

In his fourth full season at the helm, Elliott painted a picture of a program finally hitting its stride—a roster designed for the system, a unified coaching staff, and a locker room focused on winning.

Here’s everything you need to know from Coach Elliott’s remarks in Charlotte.

A Program Aligned—Top to Bottom

Coach Elliott opened with a heartfelt expression of gratitude, not just for the moment, but for the University of Virginia as an institution and its leadership.

“There’s nothing better than being a part of one of the most prestigious universities in the country that also is part of the best conference in the country.”

He credited UVA’s Board of Visitors, administration, and Athletic Director Carla Williams for their support, and highlighted the collective effort it took to assemble what he called “the deepest and most complete roster” of his tenure.

A Rare Asset: Staff Continuity

Virginia is one of just six Power Four programs returning its entire coaching staff for 2025.

“Continuity is big for me... In order for us to have a great team in the locker room, we first have to have a great team in the staff.”

That stability, Elliott emphasized, is especially valuable in today’s chaotic college football environment, with so much roster turnover and change across the country. For UVA’s players, hearing consistent voices in the meeting rooms and seeing long-term trust among coaches fosters a strong culture.

A Roster Rebuilt the Right Way

The offseason was aggressive but deliberate. UVA added 54 new players, including:

• 32 from the transfer portal
  
  

• 22 from the high school ranks
  
  

• A combined 850 college games of experience added
  
  

But Elliott was quick to remind reporters that this transformation has been years in the making.

“Three years ago... we made a decision to honor the commitments of the young men that were committed to the previous staff... We’ve done it the right way.”

The result? A roster that’s now 46% upperclassmen and 54% underclassmen—finally balanced, experienced, and shaped in Elliott’s vision.

Academic Success = Culture Building

The program isn’t just progressing on the field.

• Spring 2025: Record 3.23 team GPA
  
  

• 5 of the last 7 semesters: Team GPA above 3.0
  
  

• On average: 77 players per semester making the 3.0+ Club
  
  

“As a staff and administration, we’re hard at work building a competitive roster. The scholar-athletes are hard at work on the Grounds in the classroom.”

Leadership from the Locker Room

Elliott brought four key players to Charlotte:

• Noah Josey (OL)
  
  

• Jahmeer Carter (DL)
  
  

• Chandler Morris (QB)
  
  

• Mitchell Melton (LB)
  
  

He had special praise for Josey and Carter, two long-time Wahoo's who stayed the course despite adversity.

“They’ve been instrumental in changing the culture... They want to win badly. They had opportunities to leave, but they believed in what we’re building.”

Morris and Melton, meanwhile, were described as “instant leaders” who bring championship experience and swagger from their previous stops.

Infusing Talent + Culture

With 54 new faces, especially across the secondary and offensive line, how do you build cohesion?

“You can be very talented, but if they’re not a cohesive unit, you’re not going to be productive.”

Elliott said the existing leadership has embraced the new arrivals, setting standards and expectations. On the flip side, many of the transfers bring winning experience and a hunger to contribute.

While spring ball gave the coaches an early look at some players, 13 more transfers arrived after spring, making this fall’s 25-practice camp crucial to defining roles.

New Look Offense, Same Philosophy

Yes, Chandler Morris is a new quarterback. Yes, three offensive linemen are new. Yes, the receiver room and tight end group are deeper than ever.

But don’t expect Elliott to overhaul the system entirely—he’ll tailor it to this group’s strengths.

“Offensive football is won in the trenches... Even though I’m a receiver at heart, you win up front.”

With additions like Jahmal Edrine (WR), JT Thomas (WR), and a versatile tight end group led by Dakota Twitty and Sage Ennis, Elliott says they now have the flexibility to vary tempo and personnel packages without tipping off defenses.

“Now we can play up-tempo when we need to, huddle when we want, and be balanced. That’s what excites me.”

NIL + Portal = A Timely Boost

Elliott acknowledged that NIL support played a critical role in this off-season’s roster transformation.

“Truly grateful to the individuals that decided to support the efforts... and provide the resources for us to be aggressive and productive in the transfer portal.”

He credited Tyler Jones and Justin Speros with leading the charge in evaluations and outreach. After a 2024 season defined by close losses and a thin roster, the program didn’t hesitate this time.

“We were building to this point... to really transition the roster.”

Still UVA Strong

Elliott closed his presser with an emotional tribute to Lavel Davis Jr., Devin Chandler, and D’Sean Perry—the three players tragically killed in November 2022.

“Lavel, Devin, D’Sean—we love you; we miss you, we know you’ll be smiling down upon us. We are UVA Strong because of 1, 15, and 41.”

Final Takeaway: No More Excuses—It’s Time

Tony Elliott made one thing clear in Charlotte: The build is over. This roster, this staff, and this moment is what the last three years have been about.

Whether it’s Chandler Morris leading the offense, a deep and experienced offensive line, or the leadership core buying in harder than ever, Elliott knows the expectations are rising.

“Now we have to bring it all together.”

Fall camp starts soon. The clock is ticking—but for the first time in Elliott’s tenure, UVA might be ready to make some noise.