Virginia enters the 2026–27 college basketball season with high expectations, an experienced returning core and an opportunity to establish itself among the nation's elite programs.
Following a 30–6 campaign that ended in the NCAA Tournament's Round of 32, head coach Ryan Odom enters his second season determined to lead the Cavaliers beyond the opening weekend of March Madness.
Virginia opens the S³ Preseason Top 25 at No. 9.
De Ridder Leads the Cavaliers
Sophomore forward Thijs De Ridder enters the season as the ACC Preseason Player of the Year.
The 6-foot-9 forward averaged 15.6 points and 6.2 rebounds last season, shooting 50.8 percent from the field and 35.7 percent from three-point range.
His scoring versatility gives Virginia an established offensive centerpiece.
De Ridder is our selection as Virginia's best player, but the Cavaliers have several other important returning contributors.
Seven-foot center Johann Grünloh provides interior defense, Sam Lewis brings dependable perimeter shooting, and Chance Mallory gives Virginia an experienced floor general.
The additions of Jurian Dixon, Christian Harmon, Jan Vide and Kalu Anya provide further depth.
Returning Experience Could Make the Difference
Virginia has something many nationally ranked teams lack: substantial continuity.
Three returning starters, along with Mallory, provide Ryan Odom with a group already familiar with his offensive and defensive systems.
The Cavaliers demonstrated promising offensive execution during their October 22 exhibition victory over Villanova, connecting on 17 three-pointers in a 93–71 victory.
However, Virginia must replace the contributions of Malik Thomas, Jacari White and Ugonna Onyenso.
The departure of Onyenso, one of the nation's premier shot-blockers last season, creates a particularly important challenge for Virginia's interior defense.
Seven Games Against AP Top 25 Opponents
Virginia faces seven regular-season matchups against six opponents appearing in the official AP Preseason Top 25.
| Opponent | AP Rank | Games |
|---|---|---|
| Duke | #2 | 2 |
| UConn | #4 | 1 |
| Louisville | #11 | 1 |
| Arkansas | #12 | 1 |
| Miami | #14 | 1 |
| Kentucky | #23 | 1 |
| Total | 7 |
Average Preseason Ranked Opponent: No. 9.7
Two meetings with Duke, a road matchup against Miami and a neutral-site contest against UConn will provide major tests of Virginia's championship potential.
Can Virginia Win the ACC?
Absolutely.
The Cavaliers enter the season second in the ACC preseason media poll, behind Duke.
Virginia has the returning experience, scoring versatility and coaching necessary to challenge for the regular-season championship.
However, beating Duke will be critical.
The Blue Devils enter as the conference favorite, while Louisville and Miami possess enough talent to challenge both programs.
Virginia is a serious ACC championship contender, but not our preseason favorite.
S³ Season Projection
| Category | Prediction |
|---|---|
| S³ Ranking | #9 |
| AP Preseason Ranking | #9 |
| Proposed Regular Season | 25–6 |
| ACC Record | 14–4 |
| Best Player | Thijs De Ridder |
| Biggest X-Factor | Johann Grünloh |
| Ranked Opponent Games | 7 |
| Average Ranked Opponent | #9.7 |
| ACC Championship | Serious contender |
| Expected NCAA Finish | Sweet 16 |
| Tournament Ceiling | Elite Eight |
| Possible Downside | Round of 32 |
| Further Downside | First-round elimination |
S³ Final Word
Virginia has the personnel to compete with some of the nation's strongest basketball programs.
Thijs De Ridder provides an established scoring presence, while Grünloh, Lewis and Mallory give the Cavaliers continuity and experience.
Ryan Odom has already demonstrated his ability to produce a successful regular season in Charlottesville.
Now the challenge is translating that success into a deeper NCAA Tournament run.
S³ projects Virginia to finish 25–6 and advance to the Sweet 16.
An Elite Eight appearance would represent the Cavaliers exceeding our preseason expectations, while reaching the Final Four would be an exceptional accomplishment.
S³ Prediction: 25–6 | Sweet 16 | Elite Eight Ceiling.
Rank the team, not the reputation.
