The Virginia Cavaliers and Ryan Odom have found their first experienced big man of the 2025 transfer portal cycle in UC Irvine forward Devin Tillis. The 6-foot-7, 225-pound power forward announced his commitment to the Wahoos, now joining a long list of commits for UVA in the last week.

Tillis comes to Charlottesville with one year of eligibility remaining. While he’s played four seasons of college basketball (one at UNLV and then three at UC Irvine), his freshman season came in 2020-21 when college athletes were granted an extra year of eligibility due to COVID. He then redshirted the 2021-22 season at UC Irvine and, consequently, can play for the ‘Hoos in 2025-26.

Tillis averaged 13.7 points, 7.8 rebounds, and 2.4 assists per game for the Anteaters in 2024-25. The Los Angeles native is a stretch four who has shot 37.7% from three across his career. Last season, he hit 39.0% of his deep balls on 3.3 attempts per game. He’s most effective as a catch and shoot threat and can be deadly in transition. Plus, he’s an impressive passer for a forward, notching a 17.6% assist rate last season. Tillis was also a stud rebounder in the Big West Conference as his effort and motor stood out.

Probably the closest Virginia comparison for Tillis is Jayden Gardner, but with a really good three point shot. He’s crafty in the paint and around the basket and has had success in the low post and occasionally in the midrange. He’s a career 61.0% shooter from two-point range. For a guy on the fringe of 6-foot-6 and 6-foot-7, that’s good.

The question for his jump to the ACC will be whether he can be similarly impactful against bigger athletes. He has the skill to do so. Will he be overwhelmed as a major conference power forward? He’s likely to be less effective, but is still a good add to a Wahoo frontcourt that needs bodies and experience.

Tillis should play many minutes as the small four spot that many thought Sam Lewis was most likely to occupy before Tillis’ commitment. With Dallin Hall, Jacari White, Martin Carrere, and the aforementioned Lewis, Tillis is the fifth transfer addition for the Cavaliers.

Duke Miles’ de-committing from UVA on Friday after announcing his intention to transfer to Virginia from Oklahoma on Monday takes one off the board for the ‘Hoos. That makes it more likely that UVA adds another big guard.

Of course, UVA now needs at least one rim protecting center, probably multiple. Tillis is a below the rim player who should set a decent floor as a rebounder. But the ‘Hoos will still probably look to add three players to its frontcourt before the roster is set. Virginia has reportedly expressed interest in Florida State center Malique Ewin, Syracuse big man Eddie Lampkin, and Charleston’s Ante Brzovic.