New West Virginia head coach Rich Rodriguez is moving swiftly to reshape the Mountaineers’ football roster after significant turnover in recent weeks. With 18 players entering the transfer portal following Neal Brown’s departure, Rodriguez faces a major challenge in retaining talent, adding new recruits, and building a competitive team for 2025.
Notable Departures
Among the 18 players who have left are key contributors like CJ Donaldson, Tomas Rimac, and Jaylen Anderson. These losses underscore the urgency for Rodriguez to stabilize the roster and attract fresh talent to Morgantown.
Early Additions
Rodriguez has already started bolstering the roster by bringing in familiar faces from Jacksonville State, including wide receiver Jarod Bowie and offensive lineman Jacob Barrick. He has also secured commitments from Tulsa offensive lineman Walter Young Bear, South Alabama cornerback Jordan Scruggs, and Eastern Michigan wide receiver Oran Singleton.
Top Transfer Portal Targets
- Cam Vaughn (WR, Jacksonville State)
- Vaughn impressed last season with 49 receptions, 804 yards, and five touchdowns under Rodriguez. The 6’2″ wideout offers size and speed, making him an ideal big-play threat.
- Confidence Level: 8/10
- Fred Perry (S, Jacksonville State)
- Perry is a versatile safety who racked up 97 tackles, three sacks, and two forced fumbles in 2024. His familiarity with Rodriguez’s system makes him a priority target.
- Confidence Level: 9/10
- Hauss Hejny (QB, TCU)
- A dual-threat quarterback with elite speed, Hejny could serve as a backup to starter Nicco Marchiol while contributing in specific packages. However, he may seek a starting role elsewhere.
- Confidence Level: 7/10
- David Pantelis (WR, Yale)
- Pantelis shone at Yale with 1,018 yards and 11 touchdowns in 2024. His consistent production and experience make him a valuable asset for WVU’s receiving corps.
- Confidence Level: 8/10
- Adam Tomczyk (DE)
- At 6’3″ and 250 pounds, Tomczyk is a physical defensive end with immediate Power 4 potential. WVU is highly interested in his ability to impact the defensive line.
- Confidence Level: 9/10
- Matthew Henry (WR, Western Illinois)
- Henry’s standout season—63 receptions for 1,179 yards and six touchdowns—marks him as a dynamic, experienced receiver.
- Confidence Level: 8/10
- Mo Westmoreland II (DL, JUCO)
- A two-time JUCO All-American and 2024 Conference USA Sack Leader, Westmoreland offers proven production and experience on the defensive line.
- Confidence Level: 9/10
- Chris Henry, Jr. (WR, High School Commit)
- The son of WVU legend Chris Henry, Jr. is the nation’s #1 wide receiver and a current Ohio State commit. While WVU is pursuing him aggressively, flipping him from the Buckeyes remains a challenge.
- Confidence Level: 5/10
Building Momentum
Rodriguez’s early moves signal an ambitious approach to rebuilding the Mountaineers. By targeting high-impact players and leveraging his connections to Jacksonville State, Rodriguez aims to replenish the roster and restore competitiveness.
With a mix of experienced transfers and potential star recruits, WVU fans will be eager to see how Rodriguez’s vision unfolds in the coming weeks. As the transfer portal season heats up, the Mountaineers are positioning themselves for a pivotal offseason.