The last time fifth-year running back Xavier Brown took the field, it was in front of 56,000 strong during Virginia’s 2025 homecoming victory. Brown was carted away from that game, a torn ligament in his knee and tears streaming from his eyes. Now, it’s only fitting he returned in a homecoming of his own, this time for a sellout crowd, leading his Cavaliers (1-0, 1-0 ACC) to triumph.
Often, ACL injuries place serious questions on players’ ability to return to the field at high levels of production. Taking anywhere from nine to 12 months to recover, regain strength, comfort and ability, they take a toll not just on the body, but a player's patience and discipline.
“I would say this was one of the … toughest things I went through,” Brown said. “Just going back to the beginning of it, not thinking I'd really even be able to get back onto the field … The coaches, they have believed in me the whole time. Nobody really knew what I was going to look like coming back.”
Often, with major injuries such as an ACL tear, the mental side of recovery can weigh just as heavily as the physical. Building back his confidence, Brown said, took just as long as gaining back his strength. Finally, with fall camp rounding the corner and his competitive spirit bubbling through, the return to action began to take shape. With it, a spot on the Comeback Player of the Year preseason watchlist.
Taking the field in front of the eighth-largest crowd in Scott Stadium history meant more than just vying for a season and ACC opening victory, but a chance to return to the game and family Brown loves.
“Honestly it’s just such a blessing,” Brown said. “Talking to a few guys before the game, I just shed a few tears.”
Virginia debuted a shiny new six-sided run game in their 34-8 drubbing of NC State. The distribution of carries among so many capable backs contrasted the 2025 ground game, headlined primarily by First Team All-ACC back J’Mari Taylor. The first two sides were defined by fifth-year quarterback Beau Pribula and fourth-year running back Jekail Middlebrook. With 15 carries a piece, they established the tone of the Cavaliers’ offense. Behind them, Brown totalled the next most carries and yards in addition to a rushing touchdown.
Capitalizing off of an early Wolfpack (0-1, 0-1 ACC) turnover, Brown punched in the first touchdown of the season with a bruising goal line run. The score brought Virginia’s total to 10, giving them the clearance they would need for the victory. Brown continued to impress on his share of touches throughout the night, totaling 40 yards and an average of five yards a carry.
He continued his romping return, however, on the next drive. With NC State’s secondary lulled towards the line of scrimmage — forced to respect the thundering ground game — Brown burst through the coverage on a wheel route, hauling in a 45-yard reception for a second house call.
As the Cavaliers rotated through their five-headed running back room, controlling the pace of the contest with a suffocating 23-play, 12 minute and 15 second drive, the philosophy of the offense began to take shape. Boasting the most experience at Virginia among the backs, Brown recognized how the fraternity built in practice manifested in a selfless, next-man-up, onslaught of a gameplan.
“We played five guys today and each one of us can go,” Brown said. “I think that's just kind of a testament to the brotherhood that we've built as a group, the confidence in one another, going in there each and every week. Each of us have confidence in each other and are encouraging each other … all the way through camp, even in spring ball, all the way up to now. Just showing just how deep that room is. It’s unimaginable the possibilities that could happen.”
Now, with a week off before their next game, Virginia has a chance to further tune their offense. With fourth-year receiver Rico Flores Jr. hopeful to return from injury and Coach Tony Elliott eyeing to reduce Pribula’s usage in the ground game, the attack may look different against Norfolk State. Though, fans can count on one thing. Brown will be bringing his all from the back field, showing up for his teammates any way he can.
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