Blake Steen emerged as a Virginia starter last season. ~ Photo by Kris Wright/TheSabre.com

The Virginia football team opens its season against Richmond on Saturday, August 31. Before the Hoos hit the field at Scott Stadium for that 6 p.m. kickoff, they’ll continue preseason preparations with hopes of improving on a slow start to the Tony Elliott era.

The Cavaliers won three games in both 2022 and 2023, but they’ve pointed to five one-score losses last fall as proof of being close to more victories. Ultimately, however, the chances at a breakthrough season may rest on the play of one group: the offensive line. The Hoos return all five late-season starters and multiple other players with collegiate experience up front with All-ACC center Brian Stevens anchoring things in the middle.

Will those players be able to collectively forge a level of play that propels the team toward more success? The Sabre Summer Reading Series wraps up with perhaps the most critical unit on the team.

...