Coastal Carolina opened its 2025-26 season with a dominant 48-7 defeat to Virginia on Saturday.
Virginia seniors Cam Ross, Chandler Morris and J’Mari Taylor had their way with the Chanticleers’ defense, combining for six total touchdowns.
The Chanticleers threatened to take an early lead, but a bad snap on Virginia’s 13-yard line ended the drive. Taylor capitalized on the swing in momentum with a 1-yard rushing touchdown just before the end of the first quarter, set up by a 46-yard catch and run from Ross.
The Cavaliers blew the game open in the second quarter with three scores: Harrison Waylee from a yard out, Cam Ross on a 29-yard strike, and Jahmal Edrine on a quick 2-yard grab.
Virginia’s defense and special teams smothered the Chanticleers in the first half, surrendering only 91 yards of offense and forcing six punts on seven drives—including a blocked punt by junior Caleb Hardy early in the second quarter.
Any chance of a second-half turnaround for Coastal evaporated instantly as MJ Morris’ first throw was snagged by sophomore Ethan Minter, piling onto the Chanticleers’ offensive frustrations.
Quarterback Chandler Morris, a North Texas transfer, threw for 264 yards and two touchdowns before exiting early in the third quarter following a helmet-to-helmet collision with Chanticleers cornerback Myles Mooyoung while making a risky decision to go for the end zone instead of sliding on a run.
After being assisted to the locker room, he later returned to the sideline in street clothes; his status remains unknown.
Nebraska transfer Daniel Kaelin, who was a redshirt for the Cornhuskers last season, replaced Morris and completed 3 passes on 9 attempts and 26 yards.
Coastal Carolina’s only highlight came on an 8-yard rushing touchdown by junior Ja’Vin Simpkins with just over four minutes remaining in the third quarter.
Immediately after Simpkins’ touchdown, Cam Ross answered by going untouched on a 100-yard kickoff return, making the score 42-7 and further solidifying his already outstanding performance. Ross finished with seven receptions for 124 yards.
Maryland transfer MJ Morris, who previously played for Tim Beck during Beck’s tenure as NC State’s offensive coordinator in 2022, threw for 163 yards and an interception in his debut, completing 20 of his 36 pass attempts.
Fourth-year head coach Tony Elliot and the Cavaliers start 1-0, looking to continue the momentum heading into next week’s matchup against NC State.
Both programs are in the midst of major changes, with Coastal Carolina featuring over 60 new players and Virginia not far behind with over 50 new faces.
Coastal Carolina will look to regroup as they seek their first win in Saturday’s home opener against Charleston Southern.
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