Durham, NC, November 30, 2025
Virginia secured its place in the 2025 ACC Championship Game by defeating Duke 34-17 on November 15 at Wallace Wade Stadium in Durham, North Carolina. The victory ensures UVA will compete for the conference title and a potential College Football Playoff berth against a Duke team that also qualified.
Virginia’s Road Victory and Scoreline
Virginia’s 34-17 win over Duke on Duke’s home turf was a decisive result that clinched their spot in the ACC title game. The match took place at Wallace Wade Stadium in Durham on November 15, 2025. This victory kept UVA competitive for the ACC championship and extended their strong season performance. Duke, despite the loss, also qualified for the ACC Championship, setting up a rare and highly anticipated rematch.
Standout Performances
The game featured notable individual efforts that contributed significantly to Virginia’s win. Quarterback Chandler Morris, in his first career start, threw for 316 yards, completing two touchdowns alongside two interceptions. Wide receiver Trell Harris posted a career-high 161 receiving yards, including one touchdown reception. Running back J’Mari Taylor was a key factor on the ground, rushing for 133 yards and scoring twice on 18 carries. These performances underscored Virginia’s balanced offensive attack and resilience in an away game environment.
Significance of the Matchup
This meeting marks the first time since 2013 that Virginia and Duke will face each other in the ACC Championship Game. Both programs entered the championship ranked in the Associated Press Top 25—with Virginia at No. 19—underscoring the quality of the conference this season. The title game carries significant implications, effectively serving as a de facto elimination contest for the ACC crown and a potential berth in the College Football Playoff.
Duke’s qualification is especially notable given its earlier non-conference losses to Tulane and UConn, raising an unusual scenario where two Group of Five (G5) teams are competing in the ACC Championship. This adds a layer of intrigue to the upcoming game, highlighting shifting conference dynamics and the competitive balance in collegiate football.
Looking Ahead: ACC Championship Game at Charlotte
The ACC Championship Game is scheduled at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, North Carolina. The stakes are high, with the winner expected to represent the ACC in the College Football Playoff, provided they maintain a top-four ranking nationally. Both UVA and Duke enter the matchup motivated by the pursuit of their first ACC title in over a decade, amplifying the intensity and significance of the rivalry.
The forthcoming championship will test the resilience and skill of both teams as they compete not only for conference glory but also for national positioning within the playoff landscape. This stage presents an important moment for both programs, with substantial implications for college football watchers, policymakers invested in sports governance, and analysts of collegiate competition.