CONTENDERS: Virginia ready to DOMINATE ACC under Ryan Odom! Can Thijs de Ridder lead UVA over Duke?

Locked On College Basketball · Sep 14, 2026 · 31m

Virginia Cavaliers basketball reemerges as a national contender under Ryan Odom, boasting 30 wins, a top-3 preseason ranking, and a reloaded starting five aiming for ACC supremacy. Can Virginia’s revamped, up-tempo offensive attack and core stability power them past Duke and toward a Final Four run?

Isaac Schade and Andy Patton break down Virginia’s key returners, including Sam Lewis, Johann Grunloh, and Thijs de Ridder, project transfer Jurian Dixon’s impact at shooting guard, and debate whether frontcourt depth will make or break the season. The duo examines marquee showdowns with Kentucky…