COLLEGE FOOTBALL
Quarterback Eli Holstein, who passed for 3,306 yards and 29 touchdowns in two seasons at Pittsburgh, has signed with Virginia out of the transfer portal, the Cavaliers announced Wednesday.
Holstein, a 6-4, 225-pound Zachary, Louisiana, native, is the second FBS quarterback in as many days to choose the Cavaliers. Missouri’s Beau Pribula signed with UVA on Tuesday.
Holstein played in 18 games for the Panthers, including eight this past season before being replaced by Mason Heintschel. He threw for 1,081 yards and 12 touchdowns with six interceptions in 2025. His numbers were even better in 2024: 2,225 passing yards with 17 touchdowns along with 328 rushing yards and three scores.
Churchland product heads to UVA
Michigan safety Brandyn Hillman, a former Churchland High standout, has signed with Virginia out of the transfer portal, the program announced.
The 6-0, 200-pound Portsmouth native had 49 tackles, one interception, one forced fumble and three pass breakups this season. He played in 33 games over three seasons with the Wolverines.
Ex-UVA star Moore makes NFF hall
Former Virginia wide receiver Herman Moore has been named a 2026 inductee for the National Football Foundation College Football Hall of Fame.
Moore, who played for the Cavaliers from 1988-90, was among 18 players and four coaches in the class. The ceremony will be held Dec. 8 at Bellagio Resort & Casino in Las Vegas.
Moore was a consensus first-team All-American in 1990 and left UVA as its all-time leader in career receiving yards (2,504), receiving touchdowns (27) and 100-yard receiving games (eight).
USC OT Payne chooses Cavaliers
Southern Cal freshman offensive tackle Alex Payne has signed with UVA out of the transfer portal, the program announced Wednesday.
The 6-5, 305-pound Gainesville, Georgia, native is a former four-star recruit who was ranked as the 124th best player in the country by 247Sports in the class of 2025.
Payne played in one game for the Trojans this season as a true freshman.
Virginia Tech’s first spring game under new head coach James Franklin has been scheduled for April 18. Kickoff has yet to be determined. Admission is free.
East Carolina defensive lineman Zion Wilson has committed to UVA out of the transfer portal, according to On3 Sports. The 6-3, 318-pound Belhaven, North Carolina, native had 42 tackles and seven sacks for the Pirates on his way to being a first-team All-American Athletic Conference selection this season.
Navy cornerback Justin Ross has signed with Virginia, according to On3 Sports. The 6-2, 185-pound Gastonia, North Carolina, native had 32 tackles and an interception this season.
Penn State defensive back Kenny Woseley has committed to Virginia Tech out of the transfer portal, according to Tech Sideline. The 5-10, 180-pound Philadelphia native was a former four-star recruit and will have three years of eligibility left.
Virginia Tech defensive lineman Keyshawn Burgos has committed to Purdue out of the transfer portal, according to CBS Sports. The 6-5, 260-pound Chesterfield native had 58 tackles and 2.5 sacks in parts of four seasons with the Hokies.
Virginia Tech wide receiver Isaiah Spencer plans to enter the transfer portal, according to On3 Sports. He had 14 catches for 194 yards for the Hokies this season, but combined for 59 catches for 861 yards and five touchdowns in his previous two seasons at Jackson State.
Briefly
The Norfolk State men’s tennis team has been picked third in the MEAC preseason poll. The Spartans are sixth in the women’s poll. The men’s team will open its season Jan. 30 at Old Dominion. The women’s team will host Mississippi State on Jan. 24 at ODU’s indoor courts.
The Baltimore Orioles have assigned outfielder Jhonkensy Noel to the Norfolk Tides after he cleared outright waivers on Wednesday, according to multiple media outlets. He struggled with the Cleveland Guardians last season, hitting .162 with six homers and 13 RBIs in 69 games. He showed some of his power potential in 2024, hitting 13 homers with 28 RBIs in 67 games.
https://www.pilotonline.com/2026/01/14/pitt-qb-eli-holstein-transfers-to-uva/
