The Nightmare Scenario: How UVA’s 2025 Football Season Could Go Off the Rails

Replacing NFL-Caliber Talent

Since the Hoos walked off the field in Blacksburg losers for the 19th time in their last 20 tries against the Hokies, the program has added more than 50 new faces. While most assume the incoming talent will improve the roster, there are no guarantees.

Gone from last year’s team are third-round NFL Draft pick Jonas Sanker (New Orleans Saints) and current Notre Dame wideout Malachi Fields. They represented everything right about the program and played at a high level even when the season was going the wrong direction. NFL-quality talent doesn’t grow on trees.

Even with all the new depth, only 11 guys can be on the field at once—and UVA just lost its best offensive and defensive players. Who replaces them? The truth: no one can do it one-for-one. The hope is that overall improvement elsewhere strengthens the team as a whole. But will it? And what happens if the transfers—knowing they only have one year to play—stop fighting once adversity hits? That’s a legitimate concern for every program, and it’s one Coach Elliott must stay locked in on.

The “Easy” Schedule Isn’t So Easy

The “easiest schedule in Power Four football” still has plenty of potholes for a program far more accustomed to losing games it shouldn’t than winning games it should. Would anyone really be shocked if UVA lost to NC State, Florida State, Louisville, UNC, Duke, and Virginia Tech? If that happens, the Hoos would have to win every other game just to reach bowl eligibility.

And those “other” games aren’t gimmes either. Flying across the country to play Cal is never easy. Coastal Carolina in the opener has over 60 new players plus new offensive and defensive coordinators—are we sure that’s the walkover many assume? If UVA somehow loses Week One, more fans might tune in to the YouTube series on the men’s basketball team than show up at Scott Stadium for William & Mary.

Coaching Loyalty or Coaching Blind Spot?

Then there’s the staff. After the way 2024 went, many assumed changes were coming—namely, that Offensive Coordinator Des Kitchings would be shown the door. Instead, Coach Elliott—whether to his credit or his fault—remained loyal to his assistants.

Despite being one of the offensive masterminds behind a national championship at Clemson, he refuses to take over play calling. Kitchings, meanwhile, has been blasted by fans for a lack of in-game adjustments and for failing to put even a top-100 offense on the field. Red-zone efficiency and third-down production have been glaring weaknesses. Was that because of poor talent, or poor play design? I’m not convinced it’s the former.

If UVA bogs down in the red zone again—or falls into the familiar “run, run, pass, punt” cycle—it won’t just be Kitchings answering tough questions.

The Stakes Couldn’t Be Higher

Now, to be clear, I still believe this season will be different for the Hoos. I’ve painted that picture in a number of articles. But the potential for collapse always exists. Just look at Florida State last year: from an undefeated regular season and preseason top-10 ranking to winning only two games.

Coach Elliott has to secure buy-in from this roster and get transfers to play at a level high enough to replace his two biggest losses. The Hoos must win every game they’re expected to win, and steal a few others most don’t expect. Kitchings must finally get the offense producing at a level it simply hasn’t reached during his tenure.

When the final whistle blows on the 2025 season, let’s hope we’re a lot happier than we were in 2024.

Go Hoos.