The ‘Hoos pickup much needed depth at defensive back
Just a few days into the Spring transfer portal period, Tony Elliott and the Virginia Cavaliers are actively seeking to strengthen one of their most vital positions: cornerback.
Following a visit earlier this week, former Kentucky and Cincinnati defensive back Jordan Robinson has officially signed with the Cavaliers, according to CBS Sports and 247 Sports reporter Matt Zenitz.
Cincinnati defensive back transfer Jordan Robinson has signed with Virginia, @chris_hummer and I have learned for @cbssports/@247sports.
The 6-foot-4, 210-pound Robinson, who began his career at Kentucky, had 18 tackles last season at Cincinnati.https://t.co/10Sz3YwNKg pic.twitter.com/0NRslqM3Ei
— Matt Zenitz (@mzenitz) April 18, 2025
The 6-foot-4, 210-pound cornerback began his college journey with the Wildcats, where he played for two seasons and recorded multiple tackles in games against teams like Alabama, Georgia, and Missouri in 2023.
In 2024, Robinson transferred to Cincinnati, where he tallied 18 total tackles (11 solo) and forced a fumble. His standout performance came in a season-ending game against TCU, where he made six tackles.
The Virginia coaching staff was seeking size and length for their defensive backs, and they found that in Robinson. UVA now has options at the nickel position, with Ja’son Prevard taking reps there this spring in addition to cornerback. With Robinson’s addition, defensive coordinator John Rudzinski gains another significant asset to shuffle on defense. Regardless of lineup choices, the Cavaliers are expected to have the size and reach necessary to compete against ACC-level receivers, which they struggled with at times in 2024.
Despite Robinson’s signing, the team will still need to actively search for additional help in the secondary during this transfer window. The recent injury to returning player Jam Jackson in spring practice exacerbates this need, as depth could become a major concern for next season if they don’t bring in more defensive backs.
Additionally, UVA recently hosted former Stanford and Fresno State defensive back Julian Neal, and as noted by Colorado’s Deion Sanders, it seems Tony Elliott and the Cavaliers are in a strong position to attract talent during this cycle.
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