West Virginia got a welcome break from the bye week, and the first injury report of the week points to more good news ahead of Saturday’s trip to Texas Tech.
The biggest boost appears to be at receiver, where Armoni Weaver-Bomar is trending toward a return after missing time with a fractured finger that required surgery. He was injured in the Big 12 opener against Oklahoma State in late September, and if everything stays on schedule, he should be back on the field for the first time since then.
His speed gives the Mountaineers another weapon, even if he isn’t expected to be a heavy-volume target. Rich Rod should still have ways to work him into the offense.
West Virginia also got encouraging signs on defense. Corey McIntyre Jr. and Jason Chambers are not listed on the team’s first availability report of the week, which puts both on track to play against the Red Raiders.
Freshman safety Matt Sieg is another name to watch. He left the TCU game a couple of weeks ago and did not return, and there was real uncertainty about his status after he was seen with his arm in a sling. The fact that the injury does not appear to be serious is a major plus for the defense, and for Sieg himself as he tries to use these final four games to keep developing.
Texas Tech’s report has its own important storyline, and it centers on wide receiver Kenny Johnson. The Pitt transfer has been the Red Raiders’ clear top option, leading the team with 35 catches, 548 receiving yards and 15.7 yards per reception.
He has only two touchdown receptions, but he remains the most dangerous name in the passing game. Texas Tech has thrown just 10 touchdown passes in eight games, so if Johnson can’t go, Coy Eaking and tight end Terrance Carter Jr. would likely become the primary targets.
On the other side, the Red Raiders’ report also included RB Andre Devine, RB Lawrence Autry, DL Darius Wiley and N/S Emory Snyder.
West Virginia and Texas Tech will need to submit the next availability report by 10 p.m. ET Wednesday night.
In Other News...
Honor Huffs Eligibility Fight Just Became A Real West Virginia Story
Honor Huffs eligibility case has moved from a legal argument to a live roster issue for West Virginia, after a Monongalia County circuit court judge granted him a preliminary injunction that allows him to compete in the 2026-27 NCAA Division I mens basketball season. The ruling blocks the NCAA from enforcing its eligibility rules against Huff for now, giving him the green light as he prepares to enter the transfer portal.
For the Mountaineers, the significance is bigger than one players paperwork. Huff had been seeking an additional year after sitting out a season under transfer rules, and his case centered on whether NCAA rule changes should apply to him. With the court siding with him at this stage, West Virginia now has a real offseason storyline to follow, even if the broader fight is far from over. [Read more 🡒]
West Virginia Faces An Early Test Of Ross Hodges New Identity
West Virginias three-game homestand continues with a matchup against Stetson, and it comes with a familiar face on the other bench in Donnie Jones. The Hatters have opened their season with losses to Clemson and South Carolina, but they still bring a veteran presence through senior forward Collin Kuhl, who has been their leader in scoring and rebounds.
For the Mountaineers, the bigger story is how Ross Hodges first team keeps building on the season-opening win over Niagara. West Virginia had multiple players score in double figures in that one, and Hodge came away encouraged by the groups depth and defensive intensity, two traits that will get another early test as the homestand rolls on. [Read more 🡒]
West Virginia Has A Real Shot If One Matchup Breaks Its Way
West Virginia heads into its matchup with 15th-ranked Texas Tech with a case to make, even if the Red Raiders look like the more complete team on paper. The Mountaineers have shown enough in recent weeks to suggest they can hang around if their rushing game stays productive and they keep turning red zone trips into touchdowns, the kind of formula that can shorten the game and keep the pressure from building.
Texas Tech, though, brings the sort of problems that can spoil that plan quickly. Its offensive line has held up well enough to give the quarterback room to operate, and his mobility adds another layer West Virginia has to account for if it wants to create the sacks and negative plays that can swing a game. For the Mountaineers, the path is there, but it depends on one matchup breaking their way. [Read more 🡒]