Lo and behold, the Virginia Cavaliers football program has momentum. In addition to the massive facility upgrades, Tony Elliott has been getting it done on the recruiting trail, with 12 2025 commitments to date, amounting to the 30th ranked 2025 class in the country per 247Sports Composite. The program has not brought in a class of this caliber in over a decade.
Let’s talk about this new batch of Virginia football commits:
Isaiah Robinson, Wide Receiver/Athlete
A prized local product from Richmond, VA, Robinson was the first member of the class. The 6’3” athlete, who will more than likely play wide receiver, is rated as a four star on Rivals and a high three star per 247 Composite.
As his size indicates, Robinson is foremost a vertical threat who can win 50-50 balls and has good release off the line of scrimmage. He has also flashed open field playmaking ability, which has me excited for what he can become when his route tree expands at UVA.
Cole Geer, Quarterback
Geer is a quarterback by way of Deerfield Academy in Massachusetts, the same school as 2024 Virginia wide receiver, Triston Ward.
Geer is ahead of the curve as far as intangibles go, based on the way he patiently reads the field and understands optimal ball placement. He is certainly a decent athlete as well. The competition jump will be steep but Geer displays every indication that he can succeed at the power conference level.
Jon Adair, OL
Elliott went into Nashville, Tennessee to land this 6-foot-5, 265 pound offensive lineman. Adair was a center in his sophomore season when he committed, but has since moved primarily to tackle, where he projects at the college level.
He should fit UVA’s zone blocking scheme well, as someone who can get into the second level into open space. Adair’s pass protection is a little raw, but that is not the end of the world right now.
Grayson Reid, OL
Another fairly local kid, Reid is the consensus number one 2025 offensive line prospect in Washington DC. He projects as a guard at the next level and is another guy with standout mobility (I’m sensing a theme here). Check out Reid’s Hudl for yourself, it is full of clips where he absolutely manhandles his competition. It’s a fun watch.
Christopher Spence, DB
Spence is another borderline four-star and a top Virginia kid with an impressive list of offers. He is arguably the best athlete in this class, showcasing impressive film on both sides of the ball. At 6’3”, Spence profiles as one of those lengthy John Rudzinski defensive backs, who thrives in zone coverage and tackling in the open field.
Justin Zames, OL
An under-recruited tight end from Florida, Virginia was Zames’ only power conference offer, despite his solid three star rating. Des Kitchings and staff were all over him, though, giving him his first FBS offer.
The 6’4, 235-pounder has been involved in a run heavy offense throughout high school, so his blocking is what stood out most on his film. He is especially nimble with a strong upper body and plenty of room to fill into his frame further.
Isaiah Reese, LB
Tony Elliott went into New England once again, grabbing the top overall player in the state of New Hampshire. Reese has a similar linebacker profile as Kamren Robinson, albeit it is difficult to compare the two given the difference in competition.
I’ll tell you what, though: watch some of Reese’s film against fellow New Hampshire high schools and you will come away thinking he is the second-coming of Patrick Willis. And, hey, maybe he is; just take it with a grain of salt.
Willem Thurber, TE
Another Deerfield, Mass. kid, Thurber will join his high school quarterback Geer in Charlottesville. Of the two tight ends in this class, he has more experience as a vertical receiving threat. Thurber’s not a freak athlete in his 6’5” frame, but is certainly a force to bring down with a large catch radius. Think Tony Poljan.
Justin Rowe, LB
Rowe, originally from Ottawa, has made a name for himself playing high school ball in North Carolina. If Spence is not the best athlete in the class, it is certainly Rowe.
Only an 86 on 247 Composite but his potential has barely been unlocked. The type of player who will roam the field and make a few plays out of absolutely nowhere each game. Great instincts, sideline-to-sideline player, all those clichés apply. He is officially listed as a linebacker.
Xay Davis, RB/Athlete
Another Richmond kid, Davis has the makings of a fan favorite. He is primarily a running back but will line up in various spots in the formation and actually finished with more receiving yards than rushing yards last season.
Davis is slippery in the open field, not necessarily someone who will run you over, but is a home run threat. He is also a guy that the offensive staff could get creative with, which is evident on some of his film.
Bjorn Jurgensen, QB
Between Anthony Colandrea and now Jurgensen, Virginia has thrived in grabbing talented quarterbacks from the Sunshine State. Honestly, the duo has eerily similar playing styles, as well.
Jurgensen functions best making off-script plays and will need to learn to get the ball out quicker in a Power Four setting. The athleticism and arm talent is evident; all he needs is coaching and development.
Dillon Newton-Short, WR
The Chesterfield, VA native will be a great red zone threat for the ‘Hoos in the years to come. What stands out is his body control when the ball is in the air, able to win jump balls or adjust to the throw. The wide receiver room has plenty of names, but Newton-Short is high on my list for immediate contributors as a true freshman. He was the most recent commit in this 2025 class, rounding out the current list of four in-staters.