Virginia loses another offensive lineman as Bissinger transfers to SMU

By Jerry Ratcliffe

So much for the theory that retaining offensive line coach Garett Tujague would keep several of Virginia’s linemen from transferring.

Joe Bissinger, who played left guard for the Cavaliers the past couple of seasons, announced on his Twitter account Monday that he will transfer to SMU. Bissinger, a junior this past season for UVA, is from Houston, Texas.

Bissinger is the second Virginia offensive lineman to announce a transfer over the past 48 hours. On Sunday, left tackle Bobby Haskins said he is transferring to Southern Cal to play for Lincoln Riley. Earlier on Monday, UVA linebacker Noah Taylor committed to North Carolina.

Bissinger is a 6-foot-4, 320-pound lineman who has played in the majority of Virginia’s games the past three seasons and started several games.

Ironically, Virginia was scheduled to play SMU in the Fenway Bowl in Boston this week, but the game was cancelled due to Covid problems within the Cavaliers program.