West Virginia’s running back room is undergoing a full-scale reset, and the latest departure only underscores how quickly things can change in the transfer portal era. Cyncir Bowers has officially entered the portal, becoming the third Mountaineer back to do so this offseason. He joins Diore Hubbard and Jahiem White, and together, their exits leave a gaping hole in the heart of WVU’s backfield.
Let’s be clear: this isn’t just depth walking out the door - it’s production, versatility, and experience. Bowers, though not the feature back, carved out a solid role in 2025.
He logged 63 carries for 249 yards and two touchdowns, and added value in the passing game with eight receptions for 134 yards and another score. For a rotational piece, that kind of dual-threat contribution matters.
It’s the kind of presence that gave the Mountaineers flexibility when they needed it.
But now he’s gone - and so are Hubbard and White, both of whom saw significant time ahead of Bowers on the depth chart last season. The trio combined for the bulk of West Virginia’s returning experience at the position. With all three opting to explore new opportunities, the Mountaineers are left with a backfield that’s suddenly light on proven options.
This is the new normal in college football. The transfer portal giveth, and it taketh away - often in waves.
Programs across the country are adjusting on the fly, and West Virginia is no exception. But losing three backs in one offseason, especially this early, forces the coaching staff into a tough spot.
There’s no time to dwell. The options are clear: hit the portal hard in search of plug-and-play talent, or double down on development and trust the younger guys to grow up fast.
Neither route is easy. Replacing experience - especially experience that brings different skill sets - isn’t as simple as swapping jerseys.
Bowers brought a receiving element. White and Hubbard had shown flashes of explosiveness and consistency.
That kind of diversity in a backfield gives you options when the game plan needs to shift. Without it, you’re starting from scratch.
And that’s where West Virginia finds itself: rebuilding the running back room from the ground up. It’s not panic mode, but it is a pivotal moment. The offense will need to evolve, and how quickly the staff can reload - whether through recruiting or the portal - will shape what this team looks like in 2026.
The bottom line? Losing Cyncir Bowers might not be a headline-grabber on its own, but in the context of what’s already happened this offseason, it’s one more piece of a puzzle that now needs a full reassembly.