West Virginia was one of college football’s biggest surprises in 2023. Head coach Neal Brown went from the hot seat to fourth in the Big 12 after leading the Mountaineers to a 9-4 record, including 6-3 in conference.
As with any team, the Mountaineers experienced some offseason upheaval, but if West Virginia is going to repeat its 2023 success, it will be in large part due to these top 10 returning players.
West Virginia Mountaineers’ Top 10 Returners in 2024
10) Tyrin Bradley, Spur
Playing West Virginia’s hybrid edge-linebacker role, Tyrin Bradley dealt with some injuries last year but excelled in 2022. The Mountaineers don’t have a ton of pass-rushing prowess, but Bradley is probably their best at that skill. He could be in for a breakout year in 2024 as one of the few returning contributors on the front four.
9) Michael Hayes, K
One of the more consistent kickers in the Big 12, Michael Hayes returns for a final season with the Mountaineers. Last season he was a perfect 46-for-46 on extra points and was an impressive 17-for-21 on field goals. He’s nailed 28 of his 32 kicks under 50 yards in his career and is considered one of the most accurate placekickers in college football.
8) Garrett Greene, QB
Garrett Greene was up-and-down last season, but he’s highly athletic and adds a lot to the offense with both his legs and his arm. He’ll look for more consistency in 2024, but replicating his 774 rushing-yard performance from last season will make it easier for the passing game to open up.
He’ll have some new faces at receiver, but as he continues to improve, so will West Virginia’s offense.
7) Garnett Hollis, CB
Garnett Hollis is the gem of West Virginia’s transfer class. The new Mountaineers’ cornerback comes in after a big year at Northwestern, where he forced two turnovers and made 46 tackles for a swarming defense. He’ll challenge for a starting spot in the secondary immediately and will add much-needed experience to a young defensive backfield.
6) Ben Cutter, LB
Ben Cutter is the prototypical modern linebacker. I got to cover him in high school, and he’s fearless against the run despite being slightly undersized. He can move from sideline to sideline in a hurry and excels in pass coverage as well.
Cutter was fourth on the team last year with 56 tackles as a freshman and will be one of the defensive leaders in 2024.
5) CJ Donaldson, RB
CJ Donaldson is the bowling ball in West Virginia’s backfield. From mid-September to mid-November, he had a touchdown in nine straight games and excelled as a short-yardage back. He’s nearly 240 pounds at just 6’1″ and scares opposing defenses.
If he can become more consistent, West Virginia will rely heavily on him in 2024.
4) Jahiem White, RB
One of two running backs that make up the best backfield tandem in the Big 12, Jahiem White is the homerun threat. Despite having only 109 carries last season, White led the team in rushing with 842 yards.
He’s just 5’7″, but he has quickness to get to the edge and isn’t afraid to run between the tackles either. He could have a huge year in 2024.
3) Anthony Wilson, S
A fifth-year senior from Columbia, South Carolina, Anthony Wilson had two stellar seasons for the Georgia Southern Eagles before transferring to West Virginia before the 2023 season. He made 80 tackles and picked off a pass last year for the Mountaineers’ defense.
Wilson is the leader of a great secondary and will look for another huge season in his fifth and final year of college football.
2) Kole Taylor, TE
A second-team All-Big 12 selection last season, Kole Taylor was one of the most productive tight ends in the country. He was the third-leading receiver on a team that was balanced through the air, and he pulled in 35 receptions for 444 yards.
Now a senior, Taylor is the leader of the receiving corps and is a good blocker as well. He should receive some interest at the next level.
1) Wyatt Milum, LT
After losing Zach Frazier to the 2024 NFL Draft, the Mountaineers have another offensive lineman with elite potential. Wyatt Milum started every game at left tackle last year without surrendering a sack. A potential All-American in 2024, Milum will anchor a decent unit.
He’s started 31 straight games for the Mountaineers, and some in the industry think he has first-round potential. If he’s on, the offense clicks.
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