As the transfer portal officially opens this Friday, things are about to get busy in Morgantown-and fast. While the NCAA's "quiet period" technically limits in-person visits and contact, make no mistake: the groundwork has already been laid.
Between past recruiting ties, coaching connections, and a whole lot of backchanneling, West Virginia is positioned to be aggressive in the portal. Head coach Rich Rodriguez made it clear-every position is on the table, save for special teams.
So let’s break down some of the names Mountaineer fans should keep an eye on, position by position.
Quarterback: Deuce Knight (Auburn)
Let’s start with the most high-profile position on the field. Deuce Knight, a former five-star recruit according to the 247Sports Composite, is in the portal after just one season at Auburn.
He’s going to be one of the most sought-after quarterbacks in the country-and West Virginia is in the mix. Rich Rodriguez has shown interest, and there’s a potential connection through Logan Bradley, who was part of Auburn’s staff and reportedly helped flip Knight from Notre Dame during his high school recruitment.
That kind of familiarity matters in the portal era. Knight brings elite talent and a high ceiling-this is one to watch closely.
Running Back: Adam Mohammed (Washington)
While there’s some intrigue around Kentucky’s crowded backfield, no official entries have come from that group yet. One back who has hit the portal and drawn West Virginia’s attention is Adam Mohammed out of Washington.
The Mountaineer staff has already made contact with his representation, signaling serious interest. Mohammed rushed for 523 yards on 106 carries last season as part of a committee in the Huskies’ offense.
At 6-foot, 215 pounds, he brings size, power, and proven production. He could be a strong fit for a WVU backfield that’s looking to add depth and physicality.
Wide Receiver: Cade Wolford (Kent State)
There are bigger names in the portal, but Wolford is a sneaky-good target. He averaged an eye-popping 26.8 yards per catch last season, a number that jumps off the page.
He’s not just a deep threat, either-Kent State used him on end-arounds and kickoff returns, showing his versatility. With three years of eligibility left, Wolford could help balance out West Virginia’s wide receiver room for the long haul.
He’s a playmaker with upside.
Tight End: Nate Kurisky (Louisville)
Kurisky brings experience and red-zone value. The 6-foot-3, 240-pound tight end has been in and out of the starting lineup at Louisville over the past three seasons, but he’s consistently been a reliable target in the passing game.
He’s not going to blow you away with highlight-reel plays, but he’s steady, physical, and capable of contributing right away. Originally from Washington, D.C., Kurisky played at Gonzaga High School-one of the programs that regularly attends WVU’s summer 7-on-7 events.
There’s a history here, and that could matter.
Offensive Line: Amare Grayson (RG) & Reggie Jackson (RT), Jacksonville State
This is where the Rodriguez-Trickett connection could really pay dividends. Both Grayson and Jackson were recruited by Rich Rodriguez and his staff at Jacksonville State, and now their former offensive line coach, Rick Trickett, is officially on board at WVU.
These two linemen combined for nearly 2,000 snaps last season, and they played on the right side-exactly where the Mountaineers could use reinforcements. Plug-and-play starters with system familiarity?
That’s a major win if it comes together.
Defensive Line: Talan Carter (NT) & Emmanuel Oyebadejo (DE), Jacksonville State
Another pair of Rodriguez-era Jax State players, and both bring something different to the table. Carter is the more immediate, realistic option.
He was one of the top-graded defenders on the Gamecocks’ roster this past season and started for much of the year. He’s a disruptive presence in the middle and could fill a key need on WVU’s defensive front.
Oyebadejo, meanwhile, is the wild card. A 6-foot-7, 300-pound defensive end who redshirted last season, he’s originally from England and still learning the game-but his upside is massive.
He’s the kind of athlete every top-tier program will want in their building. If West Virginia can land him, it would be a major coup.
Linebacker: Tristan Exline (UT-Permian Basin)
Don’t let the Division II label fool you-Exline can flat-out play. He’s a two-time D2 All-American with 143 tackles and 20 tackles for loss last season.
That kind of production translates, and the interest from Power Five programs proves it. He’s already scheduled visits to Florida State and West Virginia in the first two weekends of the portal window.
If the Mountaineers can get him to campus without a commitment to FSU, they’ll have a real shot. Exline could be an instant-impact addition to the linebacker corps.
Cornerback: Geimere Latimer (Wisconsin)
There’s a family connection here that makes this one especially interesting. Geimere is the older brother of Amari Latimer, a recent WVU signee.
He originally committed to Rodriguez and Zac Alley back when they were at Jacksonville State, then spent a year at Wisconsin before entering the portal. Now, with his younger brother heading to Morgantown, the opportunity to reunite is on the table.
Don’t be surprised if the Mountaineers push hard here.
Safety: Tawfiq Byard (Colorado)
Byard is a name WVU fans should know by now. The Mountaineers were after him out of high school.
They were after him the first time he hit the portal. And now, they’re after him again.
Originally from DeMatha Catholic in Maryland, Byard has developed into one of Colorado’s top defensive players. His stock is high, but so is West Virginia’s interest.
If they can finally land him on the third try, it would be a big-time addition to the secondary.
Final Thoughts
The transfer portal is no longer just a tool-it’s a necessity. And with Rich Rodriguez at the helm, West Virginia is attacking it with purpose.
From high-upside freshmen to seasoned veterans, the Mountaineers are casting a wide net. The connections are there.
The needs are clear. Now it’s about closing the deal.
The next few weeks could reshape the 2026 roster in a big way. Stay tuned.