The Virginia Cavaliers reportedly secured a commitment from the highest-ranked offensive tackle in the transfer portal. A starting tackle has pledged to join Tony Elliott’s program. On3 ranks Mills as the seventh-best player in the portal and the top offensive tackle. He was also named an honorable mention All-ACC selection for the Cardinals in 2024.
The 6-foot-7, 215-pound talent played both left and right tackle for the Louisville Cardinals in 2024, after starting for two seasons at Texas Tech. Pro Football Focus ranked him as the 23rd best offensive tackle in the country that year. His addition brings significant size to the tackle position and he is expected to start at right tackle for Virginia in 2025.
His commitment elevates Virginia’s offensive line recruiting, making it even stronger. He is the fourth transfer addition this offseason for offensive line coach Terry Heffernan, joining Brady Wilson, Kevin Wingenton Jr., and Tyshawn Wyatt as key reinforcements.
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With left guard Noah Josey also announcing his return for a fifth year, Virginia’s offensive line is beginning to look like a potential strength heading into 2025. The group now boasts experience, quality starters, and promising depth.
The offensive line has been a major weakness for Tony Elliott and Des Kitchings’ offenses over the past three seasons. However, with these four new transfers and returning players like Josey, McKale Boley, Blake Steen, and Drake Metcalf, the line could become a critical part of an offense that has undergone significant improvement through the transfer portal.
While the end of the 2024 season left many questions about the program’s future, the coaching staff’s success in the portal is encouraging. Virginia fans remain cautious but are starting to feel optimism for 2025, as these offseason moves bring hope for a revitalized team.
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