2023/2024 Transfer Portal Recap – Virginia

By Mark Pszonak

With action in the transfer portal slowing down, it is time to take a closer look at how each P4 school did during this cycle. Up now are the Virgnia Cavaliers

The skinny: Virginia experienced recent success under head coach Bronco Mendenhall , but after his sudden departure, the Cavaliers have gone 6-16 in two seasons under Tony Elliott . Now the Cavaliers return a substantial amount of experience while not suffering many significant losses in the portal during this cycle. Coach Elliott was also able to add several players through the portal who will be counted on to help Virginia become bowl eligible for the first time during his tenure.

Total # entries into portal: 18

Total # of scholarship players who entered portal: 15

Number of scholarship players who withdrew: 1

Key losses: LB Langston Long (USF)

Key additions: OL Drake Metcalf (UCF), WR Chris Tyree (Notre Dame), WR Andre Greene (North Carolina), WR Trell Harris (Kent State), TE Tyler Neville (Harvard), TE Sage Ennis (Clemson), CB Kempton Shine (Eastern Michigan), CB Kendren Smith (UPenn)

Final thoughts: Top on the list of portal needs for Coach Elliott was to try and find a replacement for WR Malik Washington , who totaled 110 receptions, 1,426 yards and nine touchdowns last season. This obviously was a tall order, but Andre Greene, Trell Harris and most notably Chris Tyree will all help the offense. Also, the tight end combination of Tyler Neville and Sage Ennis should become a reliable duo. On the offensive line, which was a liability last season, Drake Metcalf will be looked upon to stabilize the unit at center. Defensively, cornerbacks Kempton Shine and Kendren Smith will likely become immediate starters. There are plenty of question marks in the ACC, which should give Virginia an opportunity to become bowl eligible as long as they can improve on a few faults from last season.