West Virginia’s defense is turning over almost everywhere in 2026, and that makes every returning piece feel a little more important. With 11 new starters expected under defensive coordinator Zac Alley, the Mountaineers are sorting through a lineup full of fresh faces - even if a few of those “new” names, like linebacker Ben Cutter, defensive linemen Nate Gabriel and Corey McIntyre Jr., and cornerback Nick Taylor, have already spent time in the mix.
One of the more intriguing holdovers is linebacker Cam Torbor, a player who has quietly moved from background name to real contender for a major role. In a recent depth chart projection, Torbor was slotted as the No. 2 WILL behind Illinois transfer Malachi Hood, with the possibility of winning the job outright.
That’s not just one opinion. Jed Drenning, who co-hosts the In The Gun Podcast, said Torbor could wind up being one of the most important pieces on the defense if he hits his ceiling.
“I think of all the pieces, the one that I think would be the most meaningful if he turns out and reaches his potential would be Cam Torbor at that WILL spot. This is a guy with the athletic pedigree.
He was a high school basketball player; you like to see that. That demonstrates wiggle and burst.
His dad was a linebacker at Auburn, played several years in the NFL. The pedigree’s there.
The skill set is there. The athleticism is there.
And the size. He’s 6’3”, pushing 240, so he can more than thud you.
He stole some snaps in the past, but he was kind of swimming mentally in the past. I’d like to think things started to slow down for him this offseason a little bit - that’s going to be the question.
If they continue to slow down for him mentally and he reaches his athletic potential and starts to see the big picture of what we’re trying to do, I think he can fill a heck of a role for us at that WILL spot.”
Torbor’s background gives that optimism some weight. His father, Reggie, played eight seasons in the NFL, won a Super Bowl with the New York Giants, and also spent time with the Miami Dolphins and Buffalo Bills before retiring in 2010. Reggie’s career ended with 250 tackles, 23 TFLs, 6.5 sacks, four forced fumbles, and two interceptions.
Alley’s view of Cam Torbor is just as strong. He said Torbor would have been on the field all year in 2025 if the current eligibility rules had been in place, and he outlined how the linebacker fits into the defense.
“I consider him a young player too because he didn’t play last year at all on defense. I wish the five-for-five would have been a thing last year because he would have played all year, in some capacity.
But obviously at that point, you didn’t want to burn a kid’s year on 15 snaps or whatever it was. He’ll play WILL for us, and then he plays a lot of our sub package stuff - our SAM overhang, our blitzing kind of JACK backer.
He cross-trains at the sub package stuff more than he does at MIKE and WILL.”
In Other News...
Rich Rod Leaves Door Open On A WVU Roster Decision
West Virginias roster picture remains in a holding pattern as the Mountaineers sort through the possibility of adding players with fifth-year eligibility. Rich Rodriguez said the program is not bringing anyone in at the moment, even as there have been discussions about potential returns, and he made clear that no one already on the roster is being pushed out to create space.
The pause leaves a familiar kind of offseason uncertainty around Morgantown, with the final say tied to NCAA decisions that are still pending. Cornerback Jordan Scruggs has shown interest in coming back, but for now the matter is unresolved, which leaves WVU waiting on both the paperwork and the next move. [Read more 🡒]
Kevin Browns Rise Could Change West Virginia Up Front
Kevin Brown arrived in Morgantown with the kind of recruiting profile that already had people talking, and he has only added to that buzz since showing up in the spring. The freshman offensive lineman has quickly emerged as a name to watch up front, with West Virginia projecting him as the starting left tackle for the 2026 season as he continues to settle in and develop.
Malik Agbo gives the Mountaineers a veteran option at the same spot, which adds an interesting layer to the picture as Brown keeps pushing forward. For a program that wants stability on the line, Browns rise gives West Virginia a potentially important long-term answer, but it also leaves a familiar spring and summer question hanging over the group as camp approaches. [Read more 🡒]
Harper Holloman Could Be The Pass Rusher West Virginia Needed
Spring practice has given West Virginia a clearer sense of where Harper Holloman fits, and the transfer from Western Kentucky has quickly moved into a prominent spot on the edge. He may not have posted eye-catching sack or tackle totals, but his pressure and quarterback hurry production has stood out enough to make him the most consistent pass rusher on the field.
Coaches and analysts alike have taken notice because that kind of disruption changes how offenses have to plan for him. Hollomans presence already forces attention from opposing blockers, and the bigger question now is how much more he can do once the games count and the opportunities start piling up in the fall. [Read more 🡒]