Field Level Media Top 25: No. 9 Virginia

Mar 22, 2026; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Virginia Cavaliers forward Thijs de Ridder (28) reacts against the Tennessee Volunteers in the second half during a second round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Xfinity Mobile Arena. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-Imagn Images Field Level Media college basketball writers submitted ballots for their Top 25 men's basketball teams entering the 2026-27 season. The poll results are in: Here's a closer look at No. 9 Virginia. 9. VIRGINIA 2025-26 record: 30-6 Outlook for 2026-27: Led by Belgian big man and preseason conference Player of the Year Thijs De Ridder, the Cavaliers were No. 2 in the Atlantic Coast Conference preseason poll entering head coach Ryan Odom's second season in Charlottesville. What we like: After an era of "boring" 50- and 60-point games with Tony Bennett calling the shots, Virginia had its highest-scoring team in a quarter-century last season. Point guard Chance Mallory steps into a starting role and could lead the ACC in assists. Trouble ahead: A treacherous November slate includes games vs. Arkansas (in Washington, D.C.), a road trip to former ACC rival Maryland and Battle 4 Atlantis tilts with Marquette and Xavier. December dawns with an ACC/SEC Challenge visit from Kentucky. Top newcomer: Nolan Adekunle is a 24-year-old freshman who has been playing professionally in his native Germany since 2018. He shot 42.3% from 3-point range and 55.2% from the field last season and is the projected starter at small forward. --Field Level Media