The dust is finally starting to settle in Morgantown, and honestly, the West Virginia football transfer portal situation looks more like a total renovation than a simple tune-up. If you haven't been checking the tracker every five minutes, you've missed a lot. We are talking about a roster that has seen nearly 50 players walk out the door while Coach Rich Rodriguez tries to glue the pieces back together with a mix of SEC refugees and Group of Five standouts.
It is absolute chaos.
People are scratching their heads because the guys leaving weren't just deep-bench players. We’re talking about building blocks. When Rodney Gallagher III and Cam Vaughn decided to bounce, it felt like a gut punch to the receiving corps. Vaughn had just finished telling anyone who’d listen that he was a "Mountaineer for life." Then, bam—he’s in the portal. That is the 2026 reality of college ball.
The exodus no one saw coming
Let's be real: we expected some turnover. Every time a program shifts its culture under a relatively new regime like Rich Rod’s, people leave. But the sheer volume of departures from the West Virginia football transfer portal this winter is staggering.
The running back room got hit the hardest. First, it was Jahiem White. Then Diore Hubbard, who was the leading rusher last season. Then Cyncir Bowers followed them. Just like that, the returning production at running back dropped to basically zero. It's wild to think that a team known for a "ground and pound" identity is now looking at a completely blank slate in the backfield.
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Why is this happening?
Part of it is definitely the "Neal Brown purge." A lot of these guys were recruited by the former staff, and with Neal Brown now building his own "West Virginia South" at North Texas—taking guys like Jason Cross Jr. and Jahiem White with him—the connection to Morgantown just snapped. But there's also the NIL factor. Rumor has it some players were asked to take less money to help balance the collective's books, and in 2026, players aren't sticking around for a pay cut.
Who is actually coming to Morgantown?
It isn't all bad news, though. While 48 players left, West Virginia has been aggressive in bringing talent in. The biggest name to watch is Michael Hawkins Jr., the quarterback from Oklahoma. He’s got three years of eligibility and some "flash" potential that could ignite this offense. He isn't a lock to start—he'll have to beat out Scotty Fox Jr.—but he’s the kind of dual-threat weapon that fits what Rodriguez wants to do.
The trenches are also getting a massive facelift. Look at these names:
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- Wes King (Wyoming): This guy is a monster. He hasn't allowed a sack in over 1,700 snaps. That is a crazy stat. He’s the projected starter at left guard and should be an immediate upgrade.
- Amare "Bubba" Grayson (Jacksonville State): He knows the system. He’s experienced and tough.
- Devin Vass (Kansas State): Another big body to compete on the interior line.
Defense is also getting some much-needed help. The secondary was a sieve at times last year, so adding Kamari Wilson from Memphis (by way of Florida) is a huge get. He’s a hard-hitting safety who can actually cover ground. Then you have Tobi Haastrup, the edge rusher from Oregon. He’s got four years of eligibility left, which is rare for a portal find.
The specialist swap
Don't ignore the kickers. West Virginia added Peter Notaro from Alabama and Jack Cassidy from Western Kentucky. If you've watched any Big 12 football lately, you know that games usually come down to a 40-yard field goal in the rain. Having reliable legs is probably more important than most fans want to admit.
Making sense of the 2026 outlook
What most people get wrong about the West Virginia football transfer portal is thinking that more players leaving means the program is failing. It’s actually more of a "reset button." Rich Rodriguez is trying to get "his" guys in—players who fit the tempo and the attitude he wants.
Is it risky? Absolutely. You are essentially trying to build chemistry with 30+ new faces in a single spring camp. That is a tall order for any coaching staff. We’ve seen other schools try this and fall flat on their faces, while others (like Colorado or SMU in recent years) found a way to make it work quickly.
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The biggest concern remains the wide receiver position. With Gallagher and Vaughn gone, the Mountaineers are relying heavily on guys like Prince Strachan from USC and TaRon Francis from LSU. Francis has four years of eligibility left, but he hasn't played much. It’s a lot of "potential" without a lot of "proven."
Actionable insights for the spring
If you're heading to the Gold-Blue game or just following along, here is what you need to keep an eye on:
- Watch the Offensive Line cohesion: With Wes King and Bubba Grayson coming in, the line should be better, but they need to learn to communicate as a unit.
- Quarterback Battle: See if Michael Hawkins Jr. actually looks comfortable in the RPO (Run-Pass Option) schemes. If he hesitates, Scotty Fox Jr. might take the job.
- The "Bandit" Position: With Curtis Jones Jr. gone to Virginia Tech (ouch), the pass rush needs a new leader. Keep an eye on David Afogho from Bowling Green.
- Roster Numbers: The portal is closed for entries, but WVU can still sign guys who are already in the portal. Expect maybe one or two more additions at defensive back or receiver before August.
The reality is that West Virginia is playing a high-stakes game of roster musical chairs. It's a bit scary for fans used to seeing four-year starters, but if these SEC and Power Four transfers pan out, 2026 could actually be the "rebound" season Rodriguez has been promising. Just don't get too attached to the names on the back of the jerseys quite yet—things are still moving fast.
Monitor the final scholarship counts as spring practice begins in March. This will give the clearest picture of how many "initial counters" the staff has left for the late spring window. Focus specifically on the defensive secondary depth, as any injuries during spring ball will likely force the staff back into the portal for late-arriving veteran help.