Less Than Two Weeks Until Kickoff: UVA’s Final Camp Battles Heating Up
With the 2025 college football season just around the corner, Virginia football finds itself at a critical crossroads. There’s less than two weeks until the Hoos host Coastal Carolina to open the season, and while much of the roster is set, several key battles remain wide open. These final weeks of camp will determine who earns early playing time and helps shape UVA’s identity on both sides of the ball.
Jay Ballard
8/18/20252 min read
Right Side of the Offensive Line: A Battle for Stability
One of the most important questions on the roster is who will start along the right side of the offensive line. The left side appears solid with McKale Boley projected to start at left tackle after a strong showing last season. Brady Wilson is locked in at center, and Noah Josey is projected to start at left guard, providing stability in the interior.
On the right side, Wallace Unamba, a transfer from Kentucky, is projected to start at right tackle, but there’s stiff competition behind him. At right guard, Drake Metcalf, returning from injury, is projected to start while Kevin Wigenton II pushes for playing time. With injuries to key players like Monroe Mills and Makilan Thomas, the Hoos need this unit to quickly gel to protect the quarterback and open holes for the running game.
Cornerbacks: Who Will Step Up?
Defensively, the cornerback position is another area buzzing with uncertainty. Donovan Platt, a transfer from Army, could potentially start at one cornerback spot, but the opposite cornerback position remains undecided. UVA’s defensive backfield has been refreshed with nine transfers this offseason, including Emmanuel Karnley and Ja’Son Prevard, making the competition fierce. Coaches are watching closely to see who will emerge as a reliable counterpart to Platt in Week 1.
Injuries and Depth: Portal Additions Already Paying Off
The Hoos have faced significant setbacks with injuries to key players like Kam Robinson, Makilan Thomas, and Jamarric Morris during camp. These losses could have been devastating, but UVA’s depth, especially from the transfer portal, is already showing promise. The influx of experienced transfers is providing vital insurance and competition at multiple positions, allowing the coaching staff to keep pushing for a balanced and resilient roster.
Wide Receiver Depth: The New and the Experienced
Virginia’s wide receiver group features veterans Trell Harris and Jahmal Edrine, both projected to start on the outside. Cam Ross, a transfer from James Madison, is expected to anchor the slot receiver position. Meanwhile, first-year receiver Josiah Abdullah has impressed during camp and is pushing for meaningful snaps early in the season. This mix of experience and youth will be crucial to keeping the offense balanced and dynamic.
The Countdown Is On
As practices wind down, the clock is ticking for players vying to impress coaches and solidify their roles. With less than two weeks until the first snap of the season, the Hoos’ coaching staff is laser-focused on settling these battles. How these position competitions conclude could make all the difference in UVA’s ability to execute its game plan in Week 1 and beyond.
The message is clear: the days to earn your early playing time are dwindling, and the competition is fierce. Whether it’s the trenches on the right side of the line, the corners locking down receivers, or the young receivers stepping into bigger roles, UVA’s final camp battles will shape the team’s identity heading into 2025.