Virginia just wrapped up a program-record 11 wins in 2025, and now they are kicking off the 2026 season against NC State in an ACC showdown that counts right away. Talk about jumping straight into the fire, huh? This isn’t just some tune-up; this is a league game in Week 0, which is wild enough on its own, let alone for a team coming off such a massive year.
This Week 0 Battle Is Already a Journey
Seriously, this game has had more twists and turns than a downhill slalom! It was originally part of a nonconference home-and-home series. NC State actually won the first leg last September. Then, get this, in December it got announced that the 2026 matchup would be played in *São Paulo, Brazil* as an ACC game. An ACC game in Brazil! That would have been insane. But then, just 12 weeks before kickoff back in June, logistical issues forced the game right back to the United States. So, after all that craziness, it’s finally going down Saturday afternoon in Charlottesville. All that moving around just cranks up the energy for what’s at stake here.
Virginia’s Momentum Meets a New Quarterback
Virginia is riding high after that historic 11-win season under coach Tony Elliott, making it all the way to the ACC Championship Game for the first time since 2019. They’ve got 8 starters returning, and get this: their roster boasts the most career FBS snaps in the *entire country*! They were ranked fourth nationally in career FBS snaps heading into 2025, according to TruMedia. That kind of experience is clutch. On offense, they are turning to Beau Pribula at quarterback. The fifth-year senior won the job over Pitt transfer Eli Holstein, and if that name rings a bell, it should. Pribula spent three seasons at Penn State in special packages, then became the starter at Missouri in 2025, tossing for 1,941 yards and 11 touchdowns, plus six rushing scores. He did miss two games late last season, but he’s got game experience, and that’s huge for this team.
NC State’s “When” Moment Could Be Now
NC State rolls into 2026 with some serious expectations of their own. Coach Dave Doeren has been knocking on the door of a 10-win season numerous times during his 13-year tenure, but the Wolfpack haven’t quite broken through yet. Doeren isn’t shy about saying this could finally be their year. When ACC Network analyst Mark Richt asked about that possibility at fall camp, Doeren’s response was classic: “When.” That single word tells you everything you need to know about the belief in that locker room. And get this: Doeren is unbeaten against Virginia during his tenure, though they’ve only met four times. Beating Virginia on the road in Week 0 would be a massive first step toward making that 10-win season a reality for Doeren and the Wolfpack.
This Saturday, August 29th, at 3:30 p.m. ET on ESPN, we’re not just watching a game; we’re seeing if Virginia can keep that 11-win momentum rolling with Pribula under center, or if NC State starts their 10-win quest with a huge road win. This one’s gonna be a banger to kick off the season.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by CBS Sports.
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