Virginia could match 2025 success if QB Chandler Morris wins lawsuit

Virginia had a breakout season in 2025, going 11-3 and barely missing the playoffs after losing to Duke in the ACC Championship, finishing No. 14 in the CFP rankings. 

Chandler Morris threw for 3,000 yards and 16 touchdowns last season. On Feb. 23, Morris filed a lawsuit seeking a seventh year of eligibility via medical redshirt for 2022. If Morris returns, UVA could repeat or top the success found in the 2025 season.

Morris' college football experience spans six seasons, playing for Oklahoma in 2020 (COVID year), TCU from 2021-23 (redshirt/injury), North Texas in 2024 and Virginia in 2025. 

The NCAA denied a waiver for a seventh season in January 2026. Morris could follow in the footsteps of other college quarterbacks who sued and earned another season, like Trinidad Chambliss and Diego Pavia. But not everyone has won, like Joey Aguilar. 

What would Virginia look like with Chandler Morris at the helm?

If Morris returns, he’ll have to compete with transfer Beau Pribula (Missouri), but he also has the chance to play with WR Malachi Fields. Virginia's defense was 20th nationally last season and will most likely be ranked similarly in 2026. They also have a favorable schedule with the only real challenges being Indiana, Miami and Pitt. 

The biggest challenge UVA will face in repeating its success in 2026 is that the ACC is loaded. Clemson, Miami, a reloaded Duke and James Franklin's Virginia Tech could get in the way of Virginia trying to match what they did in 2025.  

If  Morris wins, it’ll give UVA a greater chance at another success-filled season. If the NCAA wins the lawsuit, it’ll likely mean Virginia will be set back and be forced to slightly rebuild with Pribula.