West Virginia running back Clay Ash is heading to the transfer portal, seeking a fresh start after two seasons in Morgantown. The sophomore, who carved out a growing role in 2025, will look to take his talents elsewhere with two years of eligibility still on the table.
Ash saw increased action this past season, starting two games and logging 43 carries for 131 yards. While he wasn’t the feature back in the Mountaineers’ offense, he proved to be a reliable option in the rotation-bringing a steady presence behind West Virginia’s primary rushers. At 5-foot-9, Ash may not have towered over defenders, but he brought a compact, physical style that helped move the chains in key moments.
His decision to enter the portal comes after a year that saw West Virginia struggle to find its footing under the returning Rich Rodriguez. In his first season back at the helm, Rodriguez led the Mountaineers to a 4-8 finish-matching the program’s lowest win total since 2013. It was a campaign marked by flashes of promise but marred by inconsistency.
There were bright spots. West Virginia’s win over rival Pitt in the Backyard Brawl gave fans something to rally around, and the Mountaineers pulled off a signature upset on the road against a ranked Houston team. But those moments were the exception, not the rule, in a season where the team missed out on bowl eligibility for the first time since 2022.
For Ash, the transfer portal offers a chance to reset. He enters the market with meaningful game experience, including starting reps and a solid workload in a Power Five conference. That kind of background makes him a valuable depth piece for programs in need of a back who can step in and contribute right away.
Before arriving at West Virginia, Ash made his name at IMG Academy, where he set the single-season rushing record-no small feat given the level of competition there. That pedigree, combined with his college experience, should make him an intriguing target for teams looking to bolster their backfield.
As the portal continues to reshape rosters across the country, Clay Ash becomes one more name to watch-an under-the-radar back with proven production and untapped potential.