However, the 2026 squad is not the exact same football team that it was last year. While it is more likely than not that the Cavaliers will have another strong season, there may be a few players primed to disappoint given external and internal expectations. He had 19 total tackles and three quarterback hits. He will be tasked with replacing Mitchell Melton, who had 45 total tackles, five sacks, three forced fumbles, an interception, 10 tackles for loss and four passes defended for the Cavaliers last year. Virginia has more hands to feed, and most likely significantly fewer pass attempts in 2026.