Virginia is the college football team to watch in the DMV
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Beau Pribula is on his third school. Photo: Joe Robbins/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
The college football hierarchy in the DMV has shifted to Charlottesville.
- Virginia looks to build on a surprising 11-win season last year with a shiny new quarterback plucked from the SEC.
Why it matters: College football season kicks into high gear this weekend.
State of play: Maryland and Virginia Tech are trying to crawl out of their respective basements in the Big Ten and ACC.
- Both open their seasons Saturday after winning fewer than five games last season.
- They'll battle for DMV bragging rights in a Sept. 19 matchup in College Park.
Zoom out: The sport has never been so volatile thanks to the freedom of movement — and millions of dollars — players enjoy in the NIL and transfer portal era.
- The latest zaniness? Some players who tried out for pro teams are trying to go back to college — and courts might just let them.
Virginia has the weekend off after a "Week 0" win over N.C. State last Saturday.
- Fifth-year quarterback Beau Pribula had a whirlwind recruitment with Virginia after playing at Penn State and Missouri.
- He impressed in his Cavaliers debut, throwing for 155 yards and two touchdowns while rushing for another 110 yards.
🗓️ Mark the calendar: Virginia returns with a cupcake game against Norfolk State — and head coach Michael Vick — next week.
- Their toughest test comes Oct. 17 at No. 19 SMU.
🦃 New head coach James Franklin is the story at Virginia Tech.
- The Hokies fired former coach Brent Pry after just three games in 2025.
- Franklin was fired by Penn State midseason. Several players, coaches and recruits followed him to Blacksburg.
- Considering the incoming talent, ESPN's Bill Connelly projects Virginia Tech to be better than Virginia.
🗓️ Mark the calendar: In a 15-day span, the Hokies will travel to Cal (Oct. 10), host Georgia Tech for homecoming (Oct. 17) and visit Clemson (Oct. 24).
🐢 QB Malik Washington leads Maryland after starting all 12 games as a true freshman.
- New offensive coordinator Clint Trickett arrives from Jacksonville State, where his unit racked up more than 400 yards per game.
- Freshman edge rusher Zion Elee was ESPN's No. 2 recruit in the country.
🗓️ Mark the calendar: The Terps have back-to-back road games at Nebraska and Ohio State on Oct. 3 and Oct. 10.