WVU football is undergoing a complete overhaul under new head coach Rich Rodriguez. Since the termination of the 2024 season, well over 30 players have seemingly entered the transfer portal, triggering many roster rearrangements. This mass exodus has posed a substantial challenge for the Mountaineers on the eve of the new season. While some of those leaving were well-known, others are coming in to fill the gaps.
WVU Football has Over 30 Players Entering the Transfer Portal
The Mountaineers Lose Few Stars
The list of departing players from WVU is long, including some key contributors from both offense and defense. One of the most significant losses is running back CJ Donaldson Jr., who was instrumental in the Mountaineers’ running game. Donaldson went for over 2,000 yards and scored 30 touchdowns at WVU. His exit leaves a huge gaping hole in the backfield.
Wide receiver Hudson Clement, who led the team in receptions, yards, and touchdowns in the 2024 season, is another huge loss. His absence will further drain the Mountaineers’ already thin receiving corps. Another key wide receiver, Ric’Darious Farmer, who transferred from UCF, has also entered the portal, injuring the already beleaguered receiving corps.
WVU is now fighting to keep its offensive line together, which has also suffered losses. Tomas Rimac, an honorable mention All-Big 12 selection in 2024, is gone from the offensive front. Johnny Williams IV, who was expected to step into a starting role in 2025, has transferred, which creates a major concern in the offensive line as the Mountaineers continue into the season.
Incoming Transfers to WVU
While the exodus continued, Coach Rodriguez sought and attracted new transfers who would fill the voids of departed players. One of the more prominent names is Jaylen Henderson, a transferring quarterback from Texas A&M. Henderson’s presence is critical as he would lend experience to West Virginia’s offense in its hour of need.
Rodriguez adds LJ Turner, a 6-2, 237-pound back out of Northern Iowa, to strengthen the running back corps. Turner’s size and skill will complement the running backs with depth after Donaldson’s exit. Oran Singleton Jr., a transfer from Eastern Michigan, will strive to contribute to the passing game and help offset the departure of Clement and Farmer.
The offensive line will also see a boost. Walter Young Bear, a 6-foot-3, 312-pound lineman from Tulsa, arrives to maintain strength and add depth up front. Finally, the addition of South Alabama cornerback Jordan Scruggs provides veteran experience to a secondary that had already lost some talent.
Looking to the Future
With more than 30 players leaving the program, Rich Rodriguez has a tough task ahead of him to rebuild the roster and establish a competitive team. With new players coming in, the hope is that the Mountaineers will be able to come back quickly to competition. In the days ahead, this poses an important task in how Rodriguez integrates the new transfers into the team and how fast the others will adjust to the new format.
KEEP READING: WVU HC Rich Rodriguez Says Mountaineers Will Be Active in the Spring Transfer Portal
As the Mountaineers faced the changing rules of the transfer portal era, the coaching staff will have to work behind the scenes to make some pretty strategic moves. Early in Rodriguez’s time, things have been shaky. But if the new talent can mesh and consistency is established, a turnaround doesn’t seem too far-fetched.
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