In 2025, Virginia had the ACC’s second-best scoring defense. It was a unit led by experienced transfers as well as homegrown talents throughout each level of the defense. That same formula applies to the 2026 squad, as it attempts to replicate an elite defense from last season.The defensive depth is challenging to forecast ahead of fall camp — but as of mid-July, there are a few frontrunners to earn the top reserve roles at each position. Defensive endStarter: Fisher CamacBackups: Ezekiel Larry and Justin TownsendCamac is back for year two at Virginia. He is now the leading man off the edge. The battle behind him is between Larry and Townsend — Larry might have the advantage based on his physical fit in the Cavaliers’ 4-2-5 defensive scheme. Both Larry and Townsend have produced top-tier statistics, albeit in Ivy League play.Defensive tacklesStarters: Jason Hammond and Anthony BrittonBackups: Jonathan Allen, Sichan John, Darrion Henry-Young, and Kervins ChouteHammond and Britton appear to be the top starters — but as is familiar with other position groups, expect the interior defensive linemen to rotate frequently. Last season, at least five defensive tackles saw the field consistently for Virginia. BANDITStarter: Matthew Fobbs-WhiteBackups: Nnanna Anyanwu and Devon BaxterBased on the spring game, Fobbs-White looks like the clear frontrunner to earn the final starting spot on the defensive line. Virginia also has some talented options in Anyanwu — the best contender to fill the Daniel Rickert role — and Baxter, a former Michigan Wolverine. This group could surprise and be one of the ACC's better units.LinebackerStarters: Kam Robinson and Maddox MarcellusBackup: Landon DanleyRobinson and Marcellus are one of the best linebacking duos in the ACC — and Tony Elliott recently revealed that the former is ahead of schedule in his recovery from a torn ACL. The depth, however, is far from solidified behind the reliable Danley. A young underclassman will have to step up during fall camp and prove worthy of being on the opening depth chart.CornerbackStarters: Donavon Platt and Omillio AgardBackups: Jacobie Henderson, Jam Jackson, Josiah Persinger, and Patrick CampbellCornerback will be one of the most competitive battles in fall camp. Virginia could opt for a mix of experience and athleticism — which aligns with the pairs of Platt and Agard, Henderson and Jackson and then Persinger with Campbell. All six should see the field often. In particular, Persinger impressed as a freshman and Henderson has the most Power Four experience from his time with Rutgers in the Big Ten.Strong safetyStarter: Ethan MinterBackup: Christian EllisMinter returns as a starter for his junior campaign in Charlottesville. The Cavalier who could be the next man up is Ellis, a former Hokie. Ellis is not ultra-experienced in terms of starting time, but he is a veteran player who could earn his way onto the field.Free safetyStarter: Brandyn HillmanBackup: Jalen McNairHillman was brought in from Michigan to be the starter. Behind him, McNair is a reliable tackler who can make plays in the passing game as well. McNair is a sturdy and experienced player that will probably cycle in often. Fun fact — he was teammates with Mitchell Melton in high school.SPUR: S1 Corey Costner, S2 Ja’Maric MorrisStarter: Corey CostnerBackup: Ja'Maric MorrisCostner should be a rare underclassman starter on this veteran defense. However, Morris was an acquisition Virginia was thrilled to get in the transfer portal last offseason. He might see most of his time at SPUR given the logjam at cornerback and the other safety spots.Throughout each position group, defensive coordinator John Rudzinski’s main point of concern will not be about who makes plays. There are dozens of proven Cavaliers who can change a game on their own. Instead, the puzzle-solving will be about who gets to make plays and be on the field.Add us as a preferred source on GoogleFollow