Five Cavaliers Poised for a Breakout in 2025

The 2025 season is shaping up to be a turning point for Virginia football. With a new wave of transfers, key returners, and some raw young talent ready to make noise, a handful of Cavaliers are primed for breakout years under Tony Elliott and his staff. Here are five players to keep a close eye on when the Hoos take the field this fall.

Honorable Mention: WR Trell Harris
Don’t sleep on Trell Harris. The former Kent State transfer battled through a knee injury last year that limited him to just four games, but when he played, he produced. His standout performance came in the comeback win over Wake Forest, where he hauled in 7 receptions for 91 yards and a touchdown. Harris finished the year with 15 catches for 221 yards and 2 scores—solid numbers considering the limited sample size. Now fully healthy and likely Chandler Morris’s top target, Harris has all the tools to be UVA’s WR1 in 2025. With a refreshed receiving corps around him, don’t be surprised if he becomes a household name in the ACC.

5. FS Ethan Minter
A redshirt freshman with a high ceiling, Ethan Minter made the most of his limited opportunities last year. Appearing in eight games, he logged 18 total tackles and a clutch interception against Louisville. While he’s currently listed behind Louisville transfer Devin Neal on the depth chart, Minter is too talented to stay quiet. Expect to see him on the field in sub-packages and nickel looks—his instincts and physicality make him a perfect fit for modern hybrid defensive schemes. If he gets the reps, Minter could become one of UVA’s breakout defenders.

4. WR Kameron Courtney
Kam Courtney didn’t light up the stat sheet last year, but the flashes were there. The speedy route-runner from Manassas, Virginia played in six games as a true freshman, showing off the type of shiftiness that makes defensive backs uncomfortable. With the departures and arrivals in the receiver room, Courtney is in line for a larger role—especially in the slot. He could thrive in short-yardage and quick-strike situations, and all it takes is one big play to put the rest of the conference on notice. If he can find the end zone early, expect Courtney to become a go-to weapon in UVA’s passing attack.

3. NT Anthony Britton
UVA’s defensive line is loaded with size, experience, and depth—and Anthony Britton is a name that could emerge as a cornerstone up front. Listed at 6’2”, 317 pounds, Britton played in all 12 games last season and recorded at least one tackle in each. His breakout moment came in the upset win over then-ranked Pitt, where he logged 1.5 sacks. Surrounded by transfers like Hunter Osbourne (Alabama) and Jacob Holmes (Fresno State), plus returners like Jahmeer Carter and Jason Hammond, Britton has the support and scheme to wreak havoc. He’s young, powerful, and already proven durable. Watch him blow up run plays and collapse pockets this fall.

2. TE Dakota Twitty
Dakota Twitty may be new to the tight end position, but he’s no stranger to making plays. After spending his entire career at wide receiver, the junior has transitioned to tight end this offseason—a move that’s already paying off. At 6'5", 245 pounds, Twitty brings elite size to the position while still maintaining the speed and athleticism of a wideout. During the spring game and early fall camp, he’s looked just as fast as ever, creating separation and hauling in tough catches over the middle. His physical tools make him a nightmare matchup for opposing defenses—too big for DBs, too fast for linebackers.

And while this section is focused on Twitty, don’t sleep on Sage Ennis either. Sage boasts similar size and athleticism and could also emerge as a reliable target for Chandler Morris. Together, Twitty and Ennis could form one of the most dangerous tight end duos in the ACC. But Twitty in particular has all the makings of a breakout season—and don’t be surprised if he becomes a red zone favorite early on.

1. RB J’Mari Taylor
If there’s one player who could change the entire dynamic of UVA’s offense, it’s J’Mari Taylor. The North Carolina Central transfer lit up the MEAC last year with 1,146 rushing yards and 15 touchdowns—and he added 257 yards and 2 scores through the air. His ability to run between the tackles and line up as a receiver gives Offensive Coordinator Des Kitchings a dangerous new chess piece. Taylor impressed during the spring game, showcasing his quickness with 9 carries for 52 yards. With a rebuilt offensive line and a rotation that includes Xavier Brown and Wyoming transfer Harrison Waylee, expect Taylor to lead the pack and deliver explosive plays consistently. His breakout isn’t a matter of “if”—it’s “when.”

Final Thoughts
UVA’s 2025 roster is a mix of potential and proven production. If the Hoos want to turn the corner this season, it’ll take more than just the stars—they’ll need contributions from rising talents like these five. Whether it’s on defense, in the slot, at tight end, or in the backfield, these Cavaliers are ready to make their mark.