UVA football is headed to the ACC Championship Game

December 1, 2025
University of Virginia football players celebrate on the wall with excited fans reaching toward them as cameras capture the moment during a home game.

UVA football players Jewett Hayes and Sage Ennis celebrate with fans following the Cavaliers’ win over Virginia Tech on Saturday night at Scott Stadium. (Photo by Matt Riley, University Communications)

Before you saw his face, you heard his words.

“It’s been a long time coming, but the Cup is here!” University of Virginia head football coach Tony Elliott shouted upon emerging in the jubilant Cavalier locker room following UVA’s 27-7 win over archrival Virginia Tech on Saturday.

Elliott held, in his right hand, the Commonwealth Cup, the trophy annually presented to the winner of the Wahoos-Hokies game. After a six-year hiatus, the Cup belongs to the Cavaliers. 

And now, this upcoming Saturday, UVA can bring home another trophy worth celebrating.

The 16th-ranked Wahoos (10-2 record) play Duke University (7-5) on Saturday at 8 p.m. in the Atlantic Coast Conference championship game at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte. 

This special season is only getting better. Here’s what to know ahead of one of the biggest games in program history.

What’s at stake?

This is UVA’s second all-time appearance in the ACC Championship Game and first since 2019.

A win would give the Hoos their first ACC title in 30 years and punch their ticket to the College Football Playoff.

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The national tournament, which expanded from four to 12 teams in 2024, begins with first-round games on Dec. 19 and Dec. 20 and concludes with the championship game on Jan. 19 in Miami. 

Overcoming the odds

In the preseason, the league’s media members selected the Cavaliers to finish 14th in the 17-team ACC. UVA has defied the odds because of many factors, including a confident quarterback.

Chandler Morris, who transferred from the University of North Texas last winter, made a bold declaration in January when he told media members, “I didn’t come all the way to Virginia as a Texas boy to win five, six games. I want to win the conference championship. So, that’s my goal, coming all this way.”

Morris, a graduate student, has accounted for more than 2,800 total yards and 19 touchdowns this season.

“That wasn’t just show for show or talk,” Morris said after Saturday’s win. “The whole building believed in it.”

Blue Devil rematch 

Saturday’s matchup is Round 2 of UVA-Duke in 2025.

Just three weeks ago, the Wahoos rolled the Blue Devils, 34-17, in Durham, North Carolina, behind a big day from Morris (316 passing yards) and running back J’Mari Taylor (133 rushing yards). 

A Hoo takeover

Saturday will be a Wahoo takeover in Charlotte as, eight hours before the football game, the UVA men’s basketball team tips off against the University of Dayton at the Spectrum Center, located a mile from Bank of America Stadium.

From a Friday night welcome party to a pre-football-game tailgate, UVA’s Office of Engagement is offering a variety of events in Charlotte around the festivities. 

The Westin Charlotte hotel is serving as UVA’s “Fan Central” location as guests are invited to stop by the hospitality center in the lobby, spin the prize wheel to win UVA swag, snap a few selfies at the photo booth and connect with other Hoos coming to and through town.

Media Contacts

Scott Fitzgerald

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