WVU Spring Football Preview: Why Prince Strachan Could Be a Key Piece in the Mountaineers' 2026 Offense
Spring football is almost here, and with it comes a fresh look at what the 2026 West Virginia Mountaineers might bring to the table. But this year, it’s not just about dusting off the playbook-it’s about figuring out who’s even on the field.
Rich Rodriguez and his staff are ushering in a staggering 80 new players this offseason, including more than 30 transfers. That’s a full roster overhaul, and it means fans will be seeing a lot of unfamiliar faces come spring practice.
One name to start getting familiar with? Prince Strachan.
Who is Prince Strachan?
Strachan is a redshirt junior wide receiver with the kind of size and skill set that immediately jumps off the page. At 6-foot-5 and 215 pounds, he brings a rare blend of length and speed that makes him a natural deep threat-something WVU’s offense could absolutely use.
He started his college career at Boise State, where he carved out a role over two seasons, appearing in all 28 games and hauling in 37 catches for 578 yards. That’s not eye-popping production, but it’s steady, and it came in a system that rotated receivers heavily.
From there, he transferred to USC, where expectations were high. Strachan was viewed as a potential breakout candidate, a player who could become one of the Trojans’ top targets.
But football can be cruelly unpredictable.
The Setback at USC
Strachan’s time at USC was derailed almost before it began. Just seven snaps into the 2025 season opener, he made a catch, slipped two defenders, and turned a short gain into a 25-yard pickup.
It was a flash of exactly why he was so highly regarded. But then came the injury-an ankle issue that sidelined him for the rest of the season.
With USC’s receiving corps headlined by Makai Lemon-who went on to win the Biletnikoff Award and is projected to be an early first-round NFL Draft pick-Strachan’s absence was quickly overshadowed. But it’s worth noting: before the injury, he was listed as one of the most important players on the team coming out of spring camp. USC doesn’t hand out that kind of praise lightly.
What He Brings to WVU
Now, Strachan arrives in Morgantown with two years of eligibility and a chip on his shoulder. And make no mistake-he’s not just another transfer. He has the tools to be a starter from day one.
WVU’s current receiver room doesn’t have many players who match Strachan’s physical profile. A legitimate 6'5" target who can stretch the field vertically?
That’s a rare commodity, especially in college football. And assuming he’s healthy, Strachan should be in prime position to take on a major role in Rodriguez’s offense.
In limited action last season, Strachan posted an 80.1 grade from Pro Football Focus. Yes, it’s a small sample size, but it backs up the eye test.
He’s explosive, he’s physical, and he knows how to create separation downfield. That’s exactly the kind of weapon WVU needs to open up the offense and take pressure off the run game.
What to Watch This Spring
As spring practice gets underway, Strachan will be one of the most intriguing players to keep an eye on. His health will obviously be the first question, but if he’s moving well and showing chemistry with the quarterbacks, don’t be surprised if he locks down a starting spot early.
The Mountaineers are in the middle of a massive roster reset, and that means opportunity is everywhere. But in a wide receiver room that’s still taking shape, Strachan has a real chance to emerge as a go-to guy-especially if he can recapture the form that had USC insiders buzzing just a year ago.
Bottom line: If you’re looking for a breakout candidate this spring, circle Prince Strachan’s name. He’s got the size, the skill, and the motivation to make a serious impact in 2026.