Matt Sieg Commits to West Virginia: WPIAL Record-Setter Brings Versatility and Star Power to Mountaineers
Matt Sieg’s recruitment took a dramatic turn late Tuesday night - and by Wednesday morning, the WPIAL’s all-time total offense leader had made it official: he’s heading to Morgantown.
The Fort Cherry (McDonald, Pa.) standout, a Top247 safety and one of the most dynamic two-way high school athletes in the country, announced his commitment to West Virginia on CBS Sports’ College Football YouTube channel. It’s a massive pickup for the Mountaineers, who not only added a top-tier talent, but one who brings a rare combination of production, versatility, and leadership to a class that’s already one of the biggest in the Big 12.
A Late Push Seals the Deal
Sieg had been committed to Penn State, but with the recent coaching change in Happy Valley, his recruitment reopened. Pittsburgh and Virginia Tech looked like the frontrunners heading into the final stretch - until West Virginia made a late surge.
And when we say late, we mean it.
“Not until about 5 p.m. Tuesday night,” Sieg admitted.
That’s when West Virginia came back into the picture in a serious way. By the end of the night, he was locked in.
“The coaches have a big plan for me,” Sieg said. “I’m going to be able to play both sides of the ball.
It’s close to home. My family will be able to come see me and come to all the games.
That was a pretty big thing for me.”
Why West Virginia?
For Sieg, the decision wasn’t just about football - it was about fit, vision, and proximity. Morgantown is less than an hour from his hometown, and the opportunity to stay close to the people who’ve supported him throughout his career clearly mattered.
But make no mistake: the football plan West Virginia laid out was a major factor, too. Sieg spoke with head coach Rich Rodriguez, safeties coach Gabe Franklin, and general manager Chuck Lillie, and came away impressed with their vision for his development.
“They really showed me what they’re trying to build,” Sieg said. “It’s a cool plan.
And Coach Rodriguez - he’s done it before. He’s won at a lot of places.
He knows why he’s at West Virginia, and he wants to be there. That means something.”
Rodriguez’s return to Morgantown brought a sense of familiarity and credibility to the program’s pitch. Sieg saw not only a coaching staff with a plan, but one with a proven track record of success and player development.
A Historic High School Career
Sieg’s numbers at Fort Cherry are eye-popping. Over four years as a starting quarterback, he racked up 12,592 yards of total offense - a WPIAL record.
He threw for 4,634 yards and 59 touchdowns, and added 7,958 rushing yards with 131 scores on the ground. He also returned five punts for touchdowns and picked off 14 passes on defense.
That’s not just production - that’s dominance.
And it’s that do-it-all ability that makes Sieg such a tantalizing prospect at the next level. Whether it’s at safety, receiver, or even in special teams, he’s the kind of athlete who finds ways to impact the game.
Sieg isn’t hung up on where he’ll line up first.
“I don’t know if I’ll start out on offense or defense,” he said. “But I know I’ll be able to do both. That’s exciting.”
Where He Stands Nationally
Sieg is rated as the No. 11 safety in the country by 247Sports and the No. 3 overall player in Pennsylvania for the 2026 class. In the Composite rankings, he lands at No. 16 among safeties and No. 179 overall nationally.
He’s the highest-rated player in West Virginia’s class, which already includes another former Penn State commit in offensive tackle Kevin Brown from Harrisburg. With nearly 40 commits, it’s the largest class in the Big 12 - and Sieg is now the centerpiece.
What the Scouts Are Saying
247Sports’ director of scouting, Andrew Ivins, offered a glowing evaluation of Sieg - and it’s easy to see why.
He called Sieg a “small-school superhero” who rewrote the WPIAL record books and projects best as a split safety at the college level. Ivins praised Sieg’s instincts, quickness, and physicality, noting his ability to fill run lanes, mirror slot receivers, and deliver hits with purpose.
What stands out is Sieg’s versatility. He’s a natural ball carrier with dynamic cutting ability and core strength that allows him to stay upright through contact. On defense, he’s a downhill player who reads plays quickly and finishes tackles with solid technique.
Ivins also sees Sieg as a potential special teams weapon - a role he thrived in during high school with multiple punt return touchdowns.
The bottom line? Sieg is a high-motor, high-IQ football player who brings a “win-at-all-costs” mentality. He’ll likely need some time to adjust to the college game, but the ceiling is sky-high.
What This Means for West Virginia
Landing Matt Sieg is a statement. It’s not just about adding a top-100 player - it’s about bringing in a cornerstone recruit who can help define the identity of this class and this program moving forward.
He’s local. He’s loyal. And he’s a gamer.
In a recruiting cycle where West Virginia has been aggressive and strategic, Sieg’s commitment is a major win - both on the field and off. With his blend of leadership, production, and two-way ability, Sieg has the tools to become a foundational piece for the Mountaineers as they look to climb the Big 12 ladder.
And if his high school career is any indication, he’s not just going to play at the next level - he’s going to make noise.
West Virginia just got a whole lot more interesting.