CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA (CVILLE RIGHT NOW)-  Expectations are high for the launch of the Chris Pollard era with Virginia baseball. The Cavaliers are ranked No. 14 in Perfect Game USA’s preseason Top 25 poll, the third highest ranking for any ACC team.

The Hoos are behind only Georgia Tech at No. 2 and Florida State at No. 9 among conference foes.

Perfect Game also awarded two spots on its Second-Team Preseason All-American squad to Virginia players. Returning shortstop Eric Becker made his way into the infield, and much-touted Duke transfer AJ Gracia earned a place in the outfield, as he looks for a strong first season, alongside his former coach, now in Charlottesville.   

Virginia is ranked ahead of North Carolina and Louisville in the Top 25, two squads who made the 2025 College World Series in Omaha.  The Tar Heels and Cardinals bookend the Wahoos’ ACC schedule.  Virginia heads to Chapel Hill beginning March 6th for a three-game series and will finish the season in Kentucky to face the Cardinals on May 14th.  

The Hoos kick off the season on February 13th at Disharoon Park against Wagner.