Virginia names Beau Pribula starting quarterback for 2026 season

Fall camp is all about getting things finalized for the season. And the Virginia Cavaliers have done just that, at the game’s most important position. Beau Pribula has been named the team’s starting quarterback, the program officially announced Saturday. Pribula won the job following a competition with Holstein that began in the spring, but wrapped up just before the fall. He showed the upside the Virginia coaches were looking for and will take the first snaps against NC State on August 29 at 3:30 p.m. ET on ESPN. [ $19.99 gets you a FULL year of On3 | Rivals national coverage ] And that’s no small feat, given the Cavaliers will be looking to build on an 11-win campaign. The starting quarterback will be the focal point for the offense, and all eyes are now squarely on Pribula. More on Beau Pribula At one point considered the heir apparent to Drew Allar at Penn State, things never really materialized for Pribula in Happy Valley. He transferred to Missouri last season. While there, he served as a capable replacement for Brady Cook until injury struck. Pribula threw for 1,941 yards and 11 touchdowns, but he also threw nine interceptions. The good thing about Beau Pribula is that he’s a running threat, too. He has scored almost as many career rushing touchdowns (16) as passing (20). Virginia figures to utilize that running ability, something Eli Holstein didn’t bring to the table as such a dangerous option. However, finding consistency is going to be key for Pribula. In his last four games in 2025, Pribula failed to throw a touchdown pass, throwing four interceptions in the process. That obviously won’t cut it. But there have been some highlights, too. A 334-yard, three-touchdown outing against Kansas in a 42-31 last season stands out. Virginia will be hoping for more of that going forward. As a recruit, Pribula was a three-star prospect. He checked in as the No. 461 overall player in the class of 2022, hailing as the No. 26 quarterback in the class.