West Virginia University’s football program is undergoing significant changes as it transitions from the Neal Brown era to the leadership of Rich Rodriguez. The recently closed winter transfer portal window marked a notable period of roster turnover, with 19 scholarship players and four walk-ons departing the team.
While the total of 23 departures is substantial, it is similar to the 23 players who transferred out last year, which included both the winter and spring transfer periods.
This wave of attrition underscores the challenges of roster management during a coaching transition. Rodriguez, who takes over the Mountaineers after Brown’s tenure, will now have to address the immediate gaps left by these transfers while also building the foundation of his program.
The departure of 19 scholarship players reflects not only the natural upheaval that often accompanies coaching changes but also the evolving dynamics of college football’s transfer portal era.
Despite the losses, WVU remains poised to reshape its roster. Rodriguez’s staff is expected to actively recruit both high school players and transfers to replenish talent. The transfer portal, a critical tool for modern roster construction,
provides an opportunity to bring in experienced players who align with the new coaching staff’s vision. As a result, the Mountaineers may look significantly different when they take the field for the 2024 season.
The number of players departing in the winter portal window is slightly lower than last year’s winter total, which saw 20 scholarship players leave. However, with another transfer portal
window set to open from April 16 to 25, the current total is likely to grow. How many additional players will transfer out remains uncertain, adding another layer of complexity to Rodriguez’s inaugural offseason.
Roster turnover is not unusual in the current college football landscape, where transfer portal movement has become a defining feature of the sport. For WVU, this level of attrition is a
challenge, but also an opportunity for Rodriguez and his staff to bring in players who fit their system and culture. Balancing retention and recruitment will be key in shaping a competitive team for the future.
While some fans may be concerned by the high number of departures, it is important to note that such transitions often see players leaving for better fits elsewhere. At the same time, the program has the opportunity to benefit from
incoming transfers who could make an immediate impact. Managing this balance will be a crucial test for the new coaching staff. Rich Rodriguez’s previous success as a head coach, combined with his reputation for innovative
offensive strategies, should provide optimism for the Mountaineer faithful. His ability to adapt to the evolving college football environment, including the portal’s influence, will be a major factor in determining WVU’s trajectory in the coming years.
As the team moves through this pivotal offseason, the focus will remain on rebuilding, establishing new systems, and fostering a cohesive culture under Rodriguez’s leadership. The next few months will be critical in shaping the Mountaineers’ outlook for the 2024 season and beyond.