After securing the highest-rated recruiting class in West Virginia football history, the Mountaineers are set to fast-track the development of much of that group by bringing a large contingent to campus early. The 2026 class addressed nearly every position on the roster, and of the 49 total signees, 37 are expected to enroll early and participate in spring practice.
That early enrollment is a significant boost for a WVU team that expects several freshmen to compete for meaningful roles during the 2026 season. Arriving in January will allow these players to take part in all 15 spring practice sessions, which conclude with the Spring Showcase, while also giving them an early introduction to the program’s schemes and expectations.
In addition to on-field reps, early enrollees benefit physically by joining the Mountaineers’ winter conditioning program. Those extra months in the strength and nutrition program can be critical in helping young players adjust to the speed and physical demands of college football.
The list of early arrivals reflects the depth and balance of the class, featuring quarterbacks, skill players, offensive linemen, defensive front players, defensive backs, and specialists. This broad positional coverage gives the coaching staff flexibility as they evaluate personnel heading into fall camp.
Spring practice will serve as a crucial evaluation period, offering both coaches and players a clearer picture of where each newcomer fits into the long-term plan. For the players, it is an early opportunity to separate themselves on the depth chart before preseason competition begins.
Expected Early Enrollees for Spring Practice (2026):
Quarterbacks: Jyron Hughley (FL), John Johnson (LA)
Running Backs: Martavious Boswell (TX – JUCO), Amari Latimer (GA), Chris Talley (TN)
Wide Receivers: Keon Hutchins (MS – JUCO), Kedrick Triplett (AL – JUCO), Charlie Hanafin (MA), Robert Oliver (FL), Greg Wilfred (LA), Malachi Thompson (WV)
Offensive Line: Deshawn Woods (NE – JUCO), Kevin Brown (PA), Camden Goforth (TN), Aidan Woods (VA), Rhett Morris (NJ), Lamarcus Dillard (MD)
Tight Ends: Sam Hamilton (OH), Kade Bush (MN)
Defensive Tackles: Jaylen Thomas (TN – JUCO), KJ Henson (MD – JUCO), Cam Mallory (AL), Yendor Mack (PA)
Defensive Ends: Carter Kessler (OH), KJ Gillespie (NC)
Bandit: Jeremiah Johnson (NV – JUCO)
Linebackers: Antoine Sharp (FL), Cameron Dwyer (FL)
Nickel/Safety: Emory Snyder (OK), Miles Khatri (AL)
Cornerbacks: Rayshawn Reynolds (AL – JUCO), Da’Mun Allen (FL – JUCO), Makhi Boone (OH)
Safeties: Da’Mare Williams (NC – JUCO), Rickey Giles (TX)
Athlete: Matt Sieg (PA)
Punter: Chase Ridley (Australia)
With such a large group arriving early, West Virginia positions itself to maximize development time and potentially accelerate the impact of its historic 2026 recruiting class.
