Virginia Opens 2026 With Statement Win Over NC State
CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. — There were quite a few reasons to wonder what Virginia would look like when they returned to the field Saturday.
An 11 win season had raised expectations in Charlottesville, but 2026 has brought a new quarterback and the big challenge of reproducing the success that made last year their best season in the history of their program. Opening against an ACC opponent offered very little time for them to make adjustments.
Virginia didnt seem to need one.
The Cavaliers opened their season with a 34–8 win over NC State at Scott Stadium, combining an efficient debut from quarterback Beau Pribula with 258 rushing yards and a defense that held the Wolfpack to 168 total yards.
The fact that they won by 26 points is convincing, but the way they did it is much more significant. UVA didnt rely on one explosive performance or a bunch of turnovers. Throughout the game they controlled possession, consistently moved the ball, and prevented NC State from getting any drives.
By halftime, Virginia led 17-0 and had outgained the Wolfpack 220 - 83
FILE — Virginia wide receiver Eli Wood (82) carries the ball against California during the 2025 season. Photo: Tyler Shaw / FLORENZA
Pribula gives Virginia another dimension
Beau Pribula didn't need to throw often to make an impact.
The Missouri transfer completed 9 of his 11 passes for a total of 155 yards and two touchdowns, including scoring connections of 45 yards to Xavier Brown and 47 yards to Da'Shawn Martin.
His biggest contribution however, came on the ground.
Pribula rushed 15 times for 110 yards, becoming the first Virginia quarterback to surpass 100 rushing yards in a game since Brennan Armstrong in 2022.
His production helped anchor a Virginia rushing attack that finished with 258 yards on 57 attempts. J'Mari Taylor added 80 yards on 18 carries, while Brown scored Virginia's first touchdown on a one-yard run.
The approach also kept Virginia in possession for more than 38 minutes.
FILE — Virginia wide receiver Eli Wood (82) celebrates during the Cavaliers' game against California in 2025. Photo: Tyler Shaw / FLORENZA
A promising first look
One game isn't enough to determine whether Virginia can reproduce what it accomplished in 2025.
But Saturday provided some encouraging evidence.
The Cavaliers didn't turn the ball over. Their new quarterback accounted for 265 yards. The running game controlled possession, and the defense held a conference opponent below 200 yards.
They did it in front of 62,779 fans, Scott Stadium's first sellout since 2008.
Virginia now gets an open week before hosting Norfolk State on Sept. 11.
There will be much tougher tests ahead.
For now, the Cavaliers have their first answer about what comes after 11 wins.
FINAL — Virginia 34–8 NC State
Virginia QB: Beau Pribula — 9/11, 155 yards, 2 TD; 110 rushing yards
Total Offense: Virginia 413 — 168 NC State
Rushing Yards: Virginia 258 — 76 NC State
Turnovers: Virginia 0 — 2 NC State
Venue: Scott Stadium — Charlottesville, Virginia
Attendance: 62,779
