The poll results are in: Here’s a closer look at No. 9 Virginia.
9. VIRGINIA
2025-26 record: 30-6
Outlook for 2026-27: Led by Belgian big man and preseason conference Player of the Year Thijs De Ridder, the Cavaliers were No. 2 in the Atlantic Coast Conference preseason poll entering head coach Ryan Odom’s second season in Charlottesville.
What we like: After an era of “boring” 50- and 60-point games with Tony Bennett calling the shots, Virginia had its highest-scoring team in a quarter-century last season. Point guard Chance Mallory steps into a starting role and could lead the ACC in assists.
Trouble ahead: A treacherous November slate includes games vs. Arkansas (in Washington, D.C.), a road trip to former ACC rival Maryland and Battle 4 Atlantis tilts with Marquette and Xavier. December dawns with an ACC/SEC Challenge visit from Kentucky.
Top newcomer: Nolan Adekunle is a 24-year-old freshman who has been playing professionally in his native Germany since 2018. He shot 42.3% from 3-point range and 55.2% from the field last season and is the projected starter at small forward.
