West Virginia’s 2026 recruiting class is off to a hot start, even before the official start of recruiting season.

 

The Mountaineers added five recruits for the class of 2026 on Monday, bringing the total for the 2026 class to six in the span of two days.

 

Starting off the day, JMU pledge defensive back Simaj Hill flipped and committed to the Mountaineers. From Philadelphia, Hill is a three-star, according to 247sports, and ranked the 49th-best player in Pennsylvania. Hill has the potential to play both corner and safety for a Mountaineers secondary that took a hit this season.

 

After Hill announced his commitment, the recruits came in bundles for WVU.

 

Shortly after, three-star offensive lineman Rhett Morris announced his commitment. Morris received offers from schools all over the East Coast, like Army, Coastal Carolina, Boston College and JMU. Morris is ranked a consensus three-star and the 31st-ranked player in New Jersey.

 

Morris became the first offensive lineman for the class.

 

Three-star defensive lineman Cam Mallory followed, announcing his commitment on X. From Alabama, Mallory received offers from Boston College, Akron and Appalachian State. He took an official visit to Boston College on May 30. Mallory took a trip to Morgantown on June 6, and a couple of days later, became a Mountaineer. He’s the 45th-best player in Alabama and ranked the fourth player in West Virginia’s class.

 

Hill wasn’t the only player West Virginia flipped their commitments. Later on, Rich Rodriguez and the Mountaineers flipped Oregon State pass rusher commit Noah Tishendorf. Tishendorf committed to the Beavers on May 10 and took an official visit on May 17. After his commitment, WVU offered Tishendorf, and he changed his mind.

 

Tishendorf was one of the bigger gets for WVU on the day. He’s a three-star still, but is the sixth-ranked player in Oregon. Tishendorf stands at 6-foot-3 and 240 pounds, creating a strong force off the edge.

 

West Virginia added one more player later on Monday.

 

Around 8 p.m., unranked linebacker Miles Khatri announced his commitment, becoming the first linebacker commit for the class.

 

The five commitments bring the 2026 class to 12 recruits, and 11 are three-stars. Most of the commitments came after official visits, showing how well the WVU staff and facilities make an impact on the recruits.

 

Rodriguez’s hot start sets the tone for the long recruiting summer ahead.

 

Some new games are on the books for the Mountaineers.

Schuyler Callihan | 2 Hours Ago

West Virginia University football vs. Baylor.

West Virginia University football vs. Baylor. / Christopher Hall – West Virginia on SI

 

This time of year is usually when West Virginia athletic director Wren Baker is busy on the phones, making calls about future football games to fill out the non-conference portion of the schedule.

 

Tuesday morning, the WVU athletics department announced that several games are officially scheduled, spanning from 2026-31.

 

– September 12th, 2026: WVU will host UT Martin for the first-ever meeting between the two schools.

 

– September 9th, 2028: Youngstown State will make its third trip to Morgantown since 2018.

 

– September 16th, 2028: Game one vs. Akron.

 

– August 31st, 2030: Rhode Island will replace St. Francis (PA) and will visit Morgantown.

 

– September 14th, 2030: Game two vs. Akron.

 

– August 30th, 2031: WVU will host VMI once again. The Keydets are already on the slate for the 2027 season.

 

Future non-conference schedules by year

2026

9/5 vs. Alabama

 

9/12 vs. UT Martin

 

9/19 vs. Virginia (Charlotte, NC)

 

2027

9/4 at Alabama

 

9/11 vs. VMI

 

9/18 vs. Ohio

 

2028

9/2 vs. Tennessee (Charlotte, NC)

 

9/9 vs. Youngstown State

 

9/16 vs. Akron

 

2029

9/1 vs. Ohio

 

9/8 at Pitt

 

9/15 vs. Robert Morris

 

2030

8/31 vs. Rhode Island

 

9/7 vs. Pitt

 

9/14 vs. Akron

 

2031

8/30 vs. VMI

 

9/6 at Pitt

 

2032

9/4 vs. Virginia (Charlotte, NC)

 

9/11 vs. Pitt

 

The Mountaineers kicked off the second week of June with a ton of big recruiting news regarding the Class of 2026, including flipping a pair of defensive prospects from prominent FBS programs and landing in the Top 4 for a coveted four-star prospect.

West Virginia commit Class of 2026 Cameron Mallory goes for a tackle during his sophomore season.

West Virginia commit Class of 2026 Cameron Mallory goes for a tackle during his sophomore season.

West Virginia football kicked off the week right on the recruiting trail Monday, as they stacked up a slew of commitments in their 2026 recruiting class — including flipping a pair of defensive weapons that had already committed to other programs — and found themselves making the Top 4 schools for a massive 4-star recruit out of Texas.

 

The action technically got underway on Sunday for West Virginia, as they landed a defensive back from the JUCO level in Fresno City College safety Jaylon Jones. Jones played for the Rams last season as a true freshman, tallying 13 tackles, four interceptions, and three pass breakups in 10 games — he is listed as a Class of 2026 JUCO recruit, meaning he will play one more year at the level before coming to Morgantown.

 

The Mountaineers then really began to rack up commitments on Monday, with Philadelphia native defensive back Simaj Hill kicking off the action. Hill was initially committed to a Group of 5 program in James Madison, but was convinced to make an official visit this past weekend after increasing interest from WVU cornerbacks coach Rod West. Hill claims it’s “always been a dream” to play at the Power 4 level.

 

“The relationship I’ve built with Coach West has me comfortable that they will utilize my skillset and put me in a position to succeed,” said Hill. “After sitting with [Zac] Alley and [seeing] the success his defenses had in the past, I know he’s going to build a dominant defense.”

 

The Mountaineers also flipped a top-ten recruit in the state of Oregon from an in-state school as they landed a commitment from EDGE Noah Tishendorf, who had previously committed to Oregon State. Reports indicate he privately parted ways with Oregon State before his official visit to West Virginia this past weekend, and quickly decided Morgantown was his new home once arriving.

 

The Mountaineers also secured another commitment along the defensive line on Monday in three-star defensive tackle Cameron Mallory out of Alabama. Mallory had multiple Power 4 offers, including Missouri and Boston College, but chose the Mountaineers after official visits to both Chestnut Hill and Morgantown. He finished his junior prep season with 96 tackles, 22 tackles for loss and 12 sacks.

 

Offensive lineman Rhett Morris out of New Jersey — a three-star prospect initially offered by Neal Brown’s staff — also announced his intent to join the program on Monday. New head coach Rich Rodriguez and offensive line coach Jack Bicknell worked hard to keep a relationship alive with Morris after taking over, and secured his commitment after an official visit this past weekend.

 

The day’s commitment cycle was topped off with Miles Khatri, a linebacker out of Alabama, signaling he had also made his collegiate decision and had landed on the Mountaineers. Khatri had an impressive junior season, tallying 117 tackles, 14 tackles for loss, and four sacks.

 

And while not yet earning an official commitment, West Virginia closed the day finding themselves in a great position to land a four-star safety prospect out of Texas as Chance Collins narrowed his options to a Top 4 that includes the Mountaineers. WVU will be competing with Texas Tech, Texas A&M, and Utah to land the highly touted defender who has been ranked one of the Top 50 prospects in the state of Texas in the Class of 2026.

 

West Virginia University football continues to build momentum on the recruiting trail, securing another commitment for its 2026 class on Monday. This latest addition reflects the Mountaineers’ growing reputation as a program focused on long-term development and future competitiveness in the ever-evolving world of college football.

 

The 2026 recruiting cycle may seem distant, but early commitments are becoming increasingly common as schools and athletes look to solidify their futures earlier in the process. WVU’s coaching staff, led by head coach Neal Brown, has made it clear that they are targeting high-upside players with both athletic talent and strong character. The newest recruit fits that mold well and adds to what is already shaping up to be a promising class.

 

While the university has yet to release the full details of the commitment, early reports indicate that the player is a versatile athlete who has drawn interest from multiple Power Five programs. Whether it’s a standout wide receiver, a dynamic defensive back, or a disruptive presence in the trenches, WVU’s ability to secure talent this early speaks to the trust players and their families are placing in the Mountaineers’ vision for the future.

 

This marks the second commitment in as many weeks for WVU’s 2026 class, which is slowly beginning to take shape. Recruiting insiders note that this type of momentum can be contagious, with early pledges helping to sway other top prospects to give West Virginia a serious look. Building relationships early gives coaches more time to develop players and integrate them into the program’s culture before they even step on campus.

 

One of the most encouraging signs from Monday’s announcement is the regional footprint WVU is continuing to build. The staff has focused its efforts on key recruiting hotbeds such as Ohio, Pennsylvania, Maryland, and the Southeast. Bringing in players from talent-rich areas not only improves the roster but also strengthens ties with high school programs that can provide future recruits.

 

As the NCAA landscape shifts with the advent of NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) opportunities and potential changes to transfer portal rules, building a class of committed, coachable, and development-focused athletes has never been more critical. WVU’s strategy of targeting high-potential underclassmen suggests that the program is adapting well to the modern realities of recruiting.

 

For fans, Monday’s commitment should be another encouraging sign that the coaching staff is focused on long-term success. While immediate results on the field are always important, securing future talent provides stability and a foundation for continued competitiveness in the Big 12 and beyond.

 

As more details emerge about the new recruit—including position, high school program, and possible early impact—the excitement will likely grow. One thing is certain: WVU is sending a clear message that it intends to be a player on the national recruiting stage, not just for this year or next, but well into the future.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

West Virginia University (WVU) continues to build momentum on the recruiting trail, landing several promising commitments for the football Class of 2026. With head coach Neal Brown and his staff focused on long-term development and building depth across key positions, the early haul for this class showcases both regional dominance and growing national appeal.

 

While it’s still early in the recruiting cycle, the Mountaineers have already secured verbal pledges from a handful of rising high school juniors, highlighting the coaching staff’s ability to connect with young talent. These commitments reflect not only athletic skill, but also academic promise and cultural fit with the WVU football program. The Class of 2026 is shaping up to be a blend of raw athleticism, football IQ, and the kind of grit that has long defined Mountaineer football.

 

One of the standout early commitments is a dual-threat quarterback from Pennsylvania, known for his poise in the pocket and ability to extend plays with his legs. He’s ranked among the top 25 QBs in his class and has drawn comparisons to former Mountaineer stars for his creativity and leadership. His decision to commit early signals strong confidence in WVU’s coaching philosophy and offensive scheme.

 

Another key pickup is a versatile linebacker from Ohio with a nose for the football and a relentless motor. At 6’2″ and 215 pounds, he’s expected to bulk up and fill a major role in WVU’s evolving defensive strategy. His commitment adds depth and a physical presence to a unit that has shown promise but is seeking consistency. The staff sees him as a potential early contributor and future leader in the locker room.

 

The Mountaineers also added a speedy wide receiver out of Florida who turned heads at several offseason camps. His ability to stretch the field vertically and make defenders miss in space brings a dynamic element to WVU’s receiving corps. With an impressive track record in both football and track, his athleticism and work ethic make him one of the more exciting offensive additions to date.

 

Coach Brown has emphasized the importance of early recruiting relationships, and that strategy is clearly paying off. By targeting players with high character and strong developmental upside, WVU is looking to build a sustainable core that can compete consistently in the Big 12 and beyond.

 

It’s important to note that commitments for the Class of 2026 are non-binding verbal pledges. A lot can change between now and National Signing Day. However, the early returns suggest that WVU is being proactive, organized, and competitive on the recruiting front.

 

With more evaluation periods, campus visits, and camps ahead, the Mountaineers will continue to target key areas of need. If the current pace and quality of recruiting hold, the Class of ’26 could be one of the strongest in recent WVU history. For now, fans have plenty of reason to be optimistic about the future of Mountaineer football.

 

 

 

 

West Virginia University running back Jahiem White celebrates his three-yard touchdown run in the first quarter.

West Virginia University running back Jahiem White celebrates his three-yard touchdown run in the first quarter. / Christopher Hall – West Virginia on SI

 

After sharing the backfield with CJ Donaldson each of the last two years, West Virginia junior running back Jahiem White will be the workhorse out of the backfield this upcoming season for the Mountaineers.

 

Jaylan Knighton (SMU transfer), Tye Edwards (Northern Iowa transfer), and Diore Hubbard will be rotated into action, but it’ll be Jahiem White’s show in this high-flying, uptempo Rich Rodriguez offensive attack.

 

If you head out to the grocery store and happen to walk by the magazine section, you may want to take a stroll down the aisle, as you’ll notice White is gracing the cover of two well-known college football magazines – Lindy’s and Athlon.

 

During his first two seasons in Morgantown, White has rushed for 1,686 yards and 11 touchdowns on 257 carries.

 

White was limited in the spring, still recovering from the injury he suffered in the bowl game just before the half against Memphis, but Rodriguez knows what he has in No. 1.

 

“Jahiem, we know is a proven guy, and I think he’s going to have a great year. He’s got a great skill set and for what we do, too.”

 

It’s officially win or go home for West Virginia after their 16-9 loss to LSU. The Mountaineers must win each of the next two games against the Tigers to keep their season alive.

 

With elimination on the minds of the Mountaineers, they are flushing Saturday’s performance and moving to Sunday with a fresh slate.

 

“They could have beat us 40-0, and tomorrow, it’s going to be 0-0 at first pitch. So nothing to it. It’s a series. Like [Sabins] said in the postgame, we don’t have to crawl back like it’s a regional win four more. We just go out and compete tomorrow, try and win one game,” West Virginia designated hitter Sam White said.

 

White and the Mountaineers showed a lot of fight after going down 10-1. They ended up scoring nine runs on 11 hits, while White had three hits and three runs scored.

 

West Virginia is one game away from potentially having their season ended at the hands of the Tigers, as they need to win twice in two days to advance to the College World Series.

 

The advantage for the Mountaineers is that this is not like last weekend, where it was a four-team double-elimination tournament. Instead, it’s a three-game series, something WVU is obviously used to.

 

“This is what we’ve done all season. This is a series. I told them that if you lose game one of a regional, you’ve got to win four games, and you’re in a loser’s bracket. It’s a very different scenario. So this is more traditional baseball. This is what we’ve been doing all year. You’ve got to go win a series,” WVU head coach Steve Sabins said.

 

The Mountaineers will have a tough task to force a game three on Monday, likely facing Anthony Eyanson in game two. Eyanson has a 2.50 ERA on the season with a .209 batting average against this season.

 

Sabins’ goal is to go all in for on Sunday, and to force a winner-takes-all all game three on Monday.

 

“If you can get to a game three, everything changes. And so it’s all about winning tomorrow, playing for the season, playing for your teammates. And then you get to game three, and that’s when things can get really fun,” Sabins said.

 

 

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As of Friday, June 6th, 3-Star Class of 2026 EDGE Noah Tishendorf has claimed commitment to Oregon State football for nearly three months. But as West Virginia shows increasing interest in luring the Lake Oswego, Oregon-native away from his home state to play for the Mountaineers, it seems that Tishendorf might not be as attached to the Beavers as he first seemed.

 

In events that are raising eyebrows in both Corvallis and Morgantown — although for different reasons — Tishendorf has found himself on an official visit with West Virginia starting on June 6th. What should be even more concerning about this for Oregon State fans is that Tishendorf’s official visit comes after he took his official visit to their program in May, indicating that he might not have felt fully at home in Corvallis despite his earlier commitment.

 

Tishendorf is still publicly committed to the Beavers, but making good on his visit to WVU gives reason to believe that his commitment isn’t as solid as it once was. And there’s always a possibility that Oregon State’s staff won’t be pleased with Tishendorf’s visit to Morgantown, either — it’s the type of move that could quickly sour a relationship.

 

According to the 247Sports recruiting database, Tishendorf is the 107th-ranked EDGE in the Class of 2026 and the eighth-best overall player in the state of Oregon. He could be a solid early addition to the Mountaineers’ class, and he would be the first signee in their class at his position. It would also be a massive flip of a commit from a program in his home state with power conference lineage, which is the type of move which can spark momentum on the recruiting trail.

 

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