By Jerry Ratcliffe
Middle Tennessee star running back JeKail Middlebrook is visiting Virginia this weekend.
UVA is shopping for two running backs to replace ACC leading rusher J’Mari Taylor, who plans to enter the NFL Draft, and Harrison Waylee. The Cavaliers boasted one of the nation’s top running attacks in 2025 en route to an 11-3 record, plus returns the majority of a stout offensive line.
Virginia has reached out to numerous players in the portal (more on that later in the story).
Meanwhile, Middlebrook appears to be a perfect fit on paper for Virginia’s offense because he’s not only a standout rusher, but also a pass receiver.
The 5-foot-10, 196-pound back, who has two years of eligibility remaining, rushed for 1,164 yards and 7 touchdowns his first two seasons at Middle Tennessee. He started 11 games this past season and rushed for 752 yards and 4 TDs. He also hauled in 40 receptions for 412 yards and 3 more scores. His 40 catches placed him among the top 5 running backs nationally in receptions.
Middlebrook was an honorable mention Conference USA selection this past season and made the league’s all-freshman team in 2024.
Virginia has also reached out to these three players in the portal:
Minnesota running back Fame Ijeboi, 6-0, 210, who had 97 carries for 441 yards and 2 TDs as a redshirt freshman in 2025. He has been contacted by 21 schools.
Bowling Green linebacker Gideon Lampron, 6-0, 220, who was All-MAC in ‘25. Lampron posted 119 tackles (65 solo), 17.5 TFL, 2.5 sacks, 2 FF, 2 PBUs. He has been contacted by 11 schools.
Kansas safety Lyrik Rawls, one year of eligibility, 72 tackles (56 solo), 7 PBUs, 1 interception. He has visits scheduled to Clemson, Duke and Arizona State.
