The 2026 Virginia Cavaliers football schedule opens with two neutral-site games, beginning with an international matchup against NC State in Sao Paulo, Brazil on August 29, followed by a game against West Virginia in Charlotte one week later. Head coach Tony Elliott enters his fifth season in Charlottesville looking to build on a developing roster and return the program to consistent bowl contention.
2026 Virginia Cavaliers Football Schedule
| Week | Date | Time | Opponent | TV / Stream |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0 | Sat Aug 29 | TBD | NC State * | TBD |
| BYE | Sep 5 | – | BYE WEEK | – |
| 1 | Sep 12 | TBD | Norfolk State | TBD |
| 2 | Sep 19 | TBD | West Virginia ** | TBD |
| 3 | Sep 26 | TBD | Delaware | TBD |
| 4 | Oct 3 | TBD | @ Florida State | TBD |
| 5 | Oct 10 | TBD | Syracuse | TBD |
| 6 | Oct 17 | TBD | @ SMU | TBD |
| 7 | Oct 24 | TBD | Duke | TBD |
| 8 | Oct 31 | TBD | @ Wake Forest | TBD |
| BYE | Nov 7 | – | BYE WEEK | – |
| 9 | Nov 14 | TBD | California | TBD |
| 10 | Nov 21 | TBD | North Carolina | TBD |
| 11 | Nov 28 | TBD | @ Virginia Tech | TBD |
* Played at a neutral site in Sao Paulo, Brazil. ** Played at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, NC.
After two neutral-site openers, Virginia settles in for home games against Delaware and Syracuse before a challenging road stretch at Florida State and SMU in October. The schedule offers a favorable home finish with California and North Carolina coming to Scott Stadium in November before the traditional season-ending rivalry game at Virginia Tech on November 28. The combination of early neutral-site exposure and a strong home finish gives the Cavaliers a path to bowl eligibility.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Virginia play any neutral-site games in 2026?
Yes, Virginia plays two neutral-site games. The season opens on August 29 against NC State in Sao Paulo, Brazil, as part of a special ACC international series. The second neutral-site game is on September 19 against West Virginia at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, North Carolina, continuing a premium out-of-stadium series for the Cavaliers.
Who is the Virginia Cavaliers head coach in 2026?
Tony Elliott enters his fifth season as head coach of the Virginia Cavaliers in 2026. Elliott came to UVA from Clemson, where he served as offensive coordinator and won multiple national championships. He has focused on building the program’s culture and recruiting pipeline while working toward consistent bowl eligibility in the ACC.
Where do the Virginia Cavaliers play home games in 2026?
Virginia plays home games at Scott Stadium in Charlottesville, Virginia. The stadium seats approximately 61,500 fans and sits on the grounds of the University of Virginia. Scott Stadium is one of the more scenic venues in the ACC, with the Blue Ridge Mountains visible on the western horizon from the upper deck.
