West Virginia
Meet the West Virginia Mountaineers football 2026 commitments
Meet the West Virginia Mountaineers football 2026 commitments
Get to know each of the West Virginia Mountaineers football commitments in the 2026 recruiting class with this feature from WVSports.com.
Committed: June 23
Dallas (Tx.) South Oak Cliff safety Rickey Giles moved onto the West Virginia radar in April when safeties coach Gabe Franklin extended a scholarship offer and things continued to build from that point. The Lone Star state product took an official visit to Morgantown June 13-15 and committed to the program a little over a week after that. The versatile defensive back is slotted as a safety in the West Virginia scheme and picked the Mountaineers over offers from Utah, Purdue, Oregon State, San Diego State, Boise State, Memphis and a number of others.
2026 safety Giles commits to West Virginia
Commitment 101
Highlights
Committed: June 22
Nitro (W.Va.) wide receiver Malachi Thompson had been on the West Virginia radar for quite some time but earned a scholarship offer from the Mountaineers following and impressive performance at the first 7-on-7 camp of the summer. Thompson impressed throughout the event and was offered by wide receivers coach Ryan Garrett. The in-state prospect then took an official visit to Morgantown in late June and committed to the Mountaineers following the experience. Thompson caught 74 passes for 1,590 yards and 18 touchdowns as a junior and was selected as the Randy Moss Award winner last year. Thompson also held offers from Ohio, Marshall and more.
2026 WR Thompson commits to West Virginia
Commitment 101
2026 in-state WR Thompson competes at West Virginia 7-on-7
Highlights
Committed: June 21
Upper Marlboro (Md.) St. Frances offensive lineman Lamarcus Dillard received an offer from West Virginia early in the process but things heated up when he took an official visit to campus during June. That led to his commitment to the program giving the Mountaineers an athletic interior option that plays the game physically. Dillard picked the Mountaineers over offers from Miami (Fla.), Maryland, Pittsburgh, Virginia Tech, UCF, Syracuse and Boston College, among others.
2026 OL Dillard commits to West Virginia
Commitment 101
Highlights
Committed: June 20
Burlington (Ma.) Dexter Southfield wide receiver Charlie Hanafin earned a scholarship offer from West Virginia after an impressive camp performance. Wide receivers coach Ryan Garrett extended a scholarship offer and developed a strong relationship with him. Hanafin took an official visit to campus June 18-20 and announced his commitment to the Mountaineers football program. Hanafin is a talented wide receiver that earned his offer at camp and picked the program over Boston College and a number of others.
2026 WR Hanafin commits to West Virginia
Commitment 101
2026 WR Hanafin earns offer from West Virginia
Highlights
Committed: June 16
Orlando (Fla.) Evans cornerback Emari Peterson received a scholarship from West Virginia in May during the evaluation period and things progressed from that point. The long, fluid cornerback took an official visit to Morgantown June 13-15 and then announced his commitment to the program following the trip. Peterson was recruited by cornerbacks coach Rod West and also held scholarship offers from Texas A&M, LSU, Georgia Tech, Wake Forest, South Florida, Liberty, East Carolina and several others.
2026 Florida CB Peterson commits to West Virginia
Commitment 101
Highlights
Committed: June 15
Cincinnati (Oh.) Withrow offensive lineman Justyn Lyles received an offer from West Virginia in March after offensive line coach Jack Bicknell. Things picked up from there culminating in his official visit to Morgantown June 13-15 where he committed to the Mountaineers following the trip. Lyles is a long, athletic offensive tackle body that also collected offers from Maryland, Tulsa, Ohio, Miami (Oh.), Marshall, Buffalo, Massachusetts, Eastern Michigan, Bowling Green and Ball State, among others.
West Virginia adds commitment from 2026 Ohio OL Lyles
Commitment 101
Highlights
Committed: June 15
Miami (Okla.) Northeastern Oklahoma A&M linebacker Aaron Edwards had been in communication with West Virginia for quite some time led by defensive coordinator Zac Alley as well as nickels/sams coach Henry Weinreich. That only intensified after the Mountaineers extended a scholarship offer to Edwards a week before his June 13-15 scheduled official visit to campus. Edwards took that trip and then committed to the Mountaineers giving the program a versatile and athletic defender. The Oklahoma native should have two years of eligibility remaining and is set to graduate in December.
JUCO 2026 LB Aaron Edwards announces commitment to WVU
Commitment 101
With offer in hand, JUCO LB Edwards ready for West Virginia official visit
JUCO LB Edwards sets West Virginia official visit date
Highlights
Committed: June 15
Niceville (Fla.) wide receiver Robert Stith received a scholarship offer from West Virginia in February and things only continued to build there between the Mountaineers coaching staff and the talented pass catcher. Wide receivers coach Ryan Garrett served as the lead recruiter for Stith and he took an official visit during the June 13-15 weekend. That trip led to a commitment giving the program a big outside wide receiver. Stith selected the program over a number of other offers that included Michigan State, Kentucky, Maryland, Minnesota, Kansas State, South Florida, Tulane.
2026 WR Robert Stith announces commitment to West Virginia
Commitment 101
2026 WR Robert Stith intrigued by West Virginia offer
Highlights
Committed: June 15
Athens (Tn.) McMinn County offensive lineman Camden Goforth had been highly interested in the West Virginia football program since they first got involved in the winter. Things continued to progress between the two and eventually offensive line coach Jack Bicknell extended a scholarship offer in May after seeing him during the evaluation period. Goforth would initially commit to Coastal Carolina following an official visit there at the beginning of June, but after taking an official visit to Morgantown during the June 13-15 weekend elected to flip his pledge. Goforth is being targeted as an interior offensive lineman by the Mountaineers and brings versatility.
West Virginia lands commitment from 2026 OL Goforth
Commitment 101
2026 OL Goforth now holds West Virginia offer
2026 OL Goforth ready for West Virginia official visit
Highlights
Committed: June 11
West Palm Beach (Fla.) Palm Beach Central linebacker Antoine Sharp had been committed to UCF since April but West Virginia remained persistent. That began when the program extended a scholarship offer to Sharp in January from defensive coordinator Zac Alley and continued throughout the spring. The athletic linebacker elected to take an official visit to Morgantown June 6-8 and after the trip flipped his commitment to the Mountaineers. Sharp also held offers from Florida State, Missouri, Pittsburgh, Maryland, Indiana and more. He is coming off a season where he recorded 133 tackles with 13.5 tackles for loss, 4.5 sacks and interception.
2026 Florida LB Antoine Sharp flips commitment to West Virginia
Commitment 101
Highlights
Committed: June 9
Montgomery (Ala.) Montgomery Catholic linebacker Miles Khatri received an offer from West Virginia in mid-January after the new coaching staff arrived and things only continued to build from that point. Khatri was offered by nickels/sams coach Henry Weinreich and took an official visit to campus June 6-8. The defensive athlete then committed to the Mountaineers giving the program a versatile option. Khatri is coming off a season where he recorded 117 tackles and 4 sacks.
2026 Alabama LB Miles Khatri commits to West Virginia
Commitment 101
Highlights
Committed: June 9
Lake Oswego (Ore.) Lakeridge defensive lineman Noah Tishendorf initially committed to Oregon State in March and the Mountaineers offered the following day. From that point forward West Virginia became a major factor in his recruitment led by the efforts of defensive coordinator Zac Alley and defensive assistant Jake Casteel. Alley traveled out to see Tishendorf during the evaluation period and then he scheduled an official visit to campus June 6-8. That trip and his connection with the staff led to him flipping his commitment to the West Virginia football program. Tishendorf is being recruited as a bandit in the Mountaineers scheme and recorded 20 tackles and 11 sacks as a junior.
2026 pass rusher Noah Tishendorf flips commitment to West Virginia
Commitment 101
Committed pass rusher Noah Tishendorf talks West Virginia
Highlights
Committed: June 9
Moody (Ala.) defensive lineman Cameron Mallory received a scholarship offer from West Virginia in February and things only continued to develop between the two. Defensive line coach William Green served as the lead recruiter and actually recruited Mallory while he was at Jacksonville State. That connection led to an official visit to campus June 6-8 and he would commit to the Mountaineers following the trip. Mallory picked West Virginia over offers from Missouri, Louisville, Georgia Tech, Vanderbilt, Cincinnati and a number of others. The Alabama native is coming off a very productive junior season and could fit into several different positions up front.
2026 DL Cam Mallory commits to West Virginia
Commitment 101
2026 DL Cameron Mallory adds West Virginia to offer list
Highlights
Committed: June 9
Ramsey (N.J.) Don Bosco Prep offensive lineman Rhett Morris had been on the West Virginia radar since the previous coaching staff but things between the two picked up in the spring with offensive line coach Jack Bicknell visiting him. Morris then scheduled an official visit to Morgantown June 6-8 and committed to the program following the trip. Morris is an interior offensive lineman that selected the Mountaineers over offers from Pittsburgh, Virginia Tech, Wake Forest, Boston College and others. Morris had initially committed to Wake Forest but backed off that pledge and the Mountaineers were able to secure his commitment a few months later.
2026 OL Rhett Morris commits to West Virginia
Commitment 101
2026 OL Morris sets spring visit to West Virginia
Highlights
Committed: June 9
Philadelphia (Pa.) St. Joseph’s defensive back Simaj Hill moved squarely on the radar for West Virginia during the evaluation period when cornerbacks coach Rod West stopped by his school. From that point forward Hill became a key target for the Mountaineers and that led to his official visit to campus June 6-8. Hill would then flip his pledge from James Madison to West Virginia giving the program a versatile defensive back that is smooth in coverage. Hill picked the Mountaineers over offers from N.C. State, Syracuse, Wake Forest, Connecticut, Liberty and James Madison.
2026 DB Simaj Hill picks West Virginia
Commitment 101
2026 DB Simaj Hill adds West Virginia offer
Highlights
Committed: June 8
Fresno (Ca.) Fresno City C.C. defensive back Jaylon Jones moved onto the West Virginia radar in the spring and things heated up further after safeties coach Gabe Franklin stopped in to see him during the evaluation period. The junior college prospect then took an official visit to West Virginia June 6-8 and announced his commitment to the program at the end of the trip. Jones is a versatile cover safety that is coming off a freshman season here he recorded five interceptions. Jones has three years remaining.
JUCO DB Jones commits to West Virginia
Commitment 101
Highlights
Wellington (Fla.) Palm Beach Central linebacker Cameron Dwyer has been on the West Virginia target list since early in the process with defensive coordinator Zac Alley offering him a scholarship in January after coming over to the program. The athletic, quick linebacker immediately became a priority for the Mountaineers and developed a strong relationship with the coaching staff. Dwyer collected other offers from Pittsburgh, Wake Forest, South Florida and more but committed to the Mountaineers giving the program a physical linebacker that fits the defensive scheme.
2026 LB Dwyer picks West Virginia
Commitment 101
2026 LB Dwyer amped for West Virginia official visit
Highlights
Springfield (Oh.) athlete Taj Powell had been on the West Virginia radar for quite some time earning a scholarship offer Jan. 24 and making multiple visits to campus for the junior day event Feb. 1 and then for a spring practice in late March. The Mountaineers had always been high on the list for Powell but that only further increased once he was able to meet with and build a relationship with the coaching staff. Nickels/sams coach Henry Weinreich served as the lead recruiter for Powell but several other coaches were involved. The versatile athlete could end up at several different positions on defense ranging from the nickel spot to the sam, but is a long, athletic defender that plays the game with aggression. Picked the Mountaineers over offers from Kentucky and others.
2026 DB Powell commits to West Virginia
Commitment 101
2026 DB Powell excited about developing relationship with West Virginia
Highlights
Committed: April 10
Bixby (Okla.) defensive back Emory Snyder was offered by West Virginia Feb. 13 and things only continued to progress between the two leading to him taking a visit to campus March 10. That trip only further solidified the Mountaineers on his list and he would commit to the program a month later. Snyder is a long, athletic defensive back that is slated to play nickel for West Virginia although he could move to multiple positions. As a junior, Snyder recorded 45 tackles, 14 pass breakups, 6 interceptions and a forced fumble and drew a number of scholarship offers outside of the Mountaineers. Snyder was recruited by nickels/sams coach Henry Weinreich.
2026 DB Snyder commits to West Virginia
Commitment 101
2026 DB Snyder impressed with West Virginia offer
Highlights
Committed: April 5
West Palm Beach (Fla.) Cardinal Newman quarterback Jyron Hughley already had strong ties to the West Virginia football program and that family connection played a role in committing to the Mountaineers. Hughley is the nephew of JaJuan Seider and also had strong ties with several staff members as well. The Florida quarterback was re-offered by the new West Virginia coaches in January and that was a big moment in his recruitment as the Mountaineers were targeting him as a quarterback. Hughley then took an unofficial visit over the March 29 weekend and would commit a few days later giving the football program a dynamic dual-threat quarterback option.
2026 QB Hughley commits to West Virginia
Commitment 101
2026 QB Hughley gets special re-offer from West Virginia
Highlights
Committed: April 2
Georgetown (Tx.) running back Jett Walker received an offer from West Virginia in late January and things only continued to build between him and the Big 12 Conference program. That led to an unofficial visit March 29 where he was able to not only get a look at the campus but the program as well. That led to his commitment a few days later with running backs coach Larry Porter serving as the lead recruiter. Walker rushed for 2,348 yards and 38 touchdowns while averaging over 10 yards per carry and earning District 8-5A most valuable player. He is expected to enroll at the mid-term.
2026 RB Walker commits to West Virginia
Commitment 101
2026 RB Walker talks West Virginia visit, plans for return
2026 RB Walker talks West Virginia offer
Highlights
Committed: February 1
Cincinnati (Oh.) Moeller tight end Sam Hamilton had been on the West Virginia radar since the old coaching staff was in place and things only increased once the new staff took over. Holdover Blaine Stewart handled his initial recruitment, but tight ends coach Michael Nysewander assumed the lead role. Hamilton is a versatile two-way tight end that can not only block but catch the football. After taking a visit to the West Virginia junior day Feb. 1, Hamilton committed to the Mountaineers.
2026 TE Hamilton commits to West Virginia
Commitment 101
2026 TE Hamilton has a good connection with West Virginia
Highlights
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West Virginia
West Virginia American Water proposes $46 million rate hike affecting 172,000 customers
A possible utility rate hike is being discussed for West Virginia American Water customers. It would affect 172,000 customers in 22 counties.
On Monday night, at a public hearing, only two people spoke out sharing their thoughts on the proposed hike.
“I’m here to ask the PSC to finally, once and for all, take care of the consumers of water by making sure the water company follows industry standards and international code,” WVAW customer, Howard Swint said.
According to a press release from West Virginia American Water, the new rates would be implemented in two steps with the first step of a $11 increase per month going into effect on March 1st, 2026.
The second step establishes final rates would be a $5 increase becoming effective on March 1st, 2027. Those numbers being based on the bill of an average residential customer.
“The system we’re hoping to get a hearing on today is terribly antiquated and it also has a lot of other shortcomings that cheat the water rate consumers by virtue of the fact that they’re putting band-aids on a system that should really be replaced. Now that’s going to require money, I understand that” Swint said.
In total, water rates would see a $46 million increase, and sewer rates would see a $1.4 million increase. According to the company, these increases would go towards making further improvements to their infrastructure.
“In downtown Charleston, last year it was flooded. We pay for that as consumers. We have to pay for that. It’s a system that’s antiquated that has to be fixed. So that requires money to bring it up to international code and industry standards. It’s something we all will pay less in the future for by virtue of having a system that’s reliable,” Swint said.
West Virginia
Governor says it is not appropriate to ask specifics of National Guard readiness with weapons – WV MetroNews
West Virginia’s governor says it is inappropriate to ask questions about whether members of the National Guard patrolling Washington, D.C., are prepared to quickly and efficiently respond with firearms in case of attack.
“I can assure folks that the people that we send in — anytime you’re sending anyone potentially in harm’s way, you want to make sure that they’re fully prepared, they’re very well trained,” Morrisey said on MetroNews Midday.
In response to a question about Guard members’ readiness to defend themselves, he continued, “I can assure people that they are.”
More detail about defensive readiness than that, the governor went on to say, should be off limits to the public.
West Virginia National Guard members Sarah Beckstrom, 20, and Andrew Wolfe, 24, were shot Nov. 26 at the corner of 17th and I Streets NW. Beckstrom died on Thanksgiving Day, and Wolfe continues to recover from serious injuries.
A major with the National Guard who was nearby shot the suspect with his service weapon as the attacker was trying to reload his own gun, investigators said.
Authorities have said the suspect in the shooting, Rahmanullah Lakanwal, came around a corner, raised his gun and fired at Guardsmen who were gathered at the location near a Metro stop. He has been formally charged with murder.
Lakanwal, 29, drove from his home in the state of Washington. He had previously worked with CIA-backed counterterrorism units in Afghanistan known as Zero Units. He had a Special Immigrant Visa because of that work but apparently had significant struggles adjusting to life in the United States.
“This is a tragedy that resulted from an ambush. It was nothing to do with their readiness posture. So specialist Beckstrom was attacked from behind at point blank range by a member of a CIA backed paramilitary unit, you know, a terrorist. So this was really important,” Morrisey said on MetroNews Midday.
Warnings of possible danger
At least two memos introduced into evidence by attorneys representing the Trump administration in a federal court case challenging the presence of the National Guard in the nation’s capital make reference to potential danger for operations under Joint Task Force-D.C.
“JTC-DC service members may expect a heightened threat environment while supporting the “Make DC Safe and Beautiful” mission within the NCR,” according to an August advisory memo filed in the federal court case and referring to activity in the national capital region.
“Threat/nefarious actors engaging in grievance based violence and those inspired by foreign terrorist organizations may view the MDCSB mission as a target of opportunity. Additionally, civilian populations with varying political views may attempt to engage with JTF-DC SMs.”
On August 23, the commanding general of the D.C. National Guard gave an order allowing members supporting the mission in the district to carry their service-issued weapons after careful consideration of the security environment. Guard members on the mission were to carry M17 pistols, intended for personal protection.
In early December, after the shootings, the Pentagon reiterated The Pentagon that every National Guard member deployed in Washington D.C., would now be armed with live weapons.
An overriding question has been readiness to engage — whether the service weapons and ammunition were in position to be used quickly in case of attack.
COMMENTARY by T.J. MEADOWS: Did We Fail Our Guardsmen?
On statewide radio, the governor said the specifics of Guard’s access to weapons is not for the public to know.
“You know, it’s absolutely wrong to try to publicize everyone’s weapons readiness, sensitive operational information, if it could endanger the Guardsmen who are working in D.C. I think they are irresponsible questions, to be blunt. We have to protect our people,” Morrisey said.
“I don’t know why people would want to have everything about ‘This is exactly the operational information you need when you’re out in the field’ and you could subject our Guardsmen to harm. That’s outrageous, and I’m not going to do it.”
D.C. mission continues, and so do questions
On August 11, President Donald Trump declared a “crime emergency” for the District of Columbia, and just a few days later Governor Morrisey deployed 300 to 400 members of the West Virginia National Guard for support.
That developed as, on August 12, Leland Blanchard, interim commanding general of the D.C. National Guard, sent an email to James Seward, adjutant general of the West Virginia National Guard.
“Was told by SECARMY’s office that your governor has been in contact with SECARMY and may be willing to support ongoing operations in DC,” Blanchard wrote in an email that later appeared among the filings in the federal court case.
Blanchard went on to say work was still ongoing to determine tasks, “but wondering if you have some insights on number of personnel you might have to put against this mission once we get there.”
Seward responded to say, depending on orders and funding, that West Virginia could provide an estimated 500 to 600 Guard members. “Please let us know what we can do to help.”
The president’s emergency declaration, which placed the Metropolitan Police Department under federal direction, expired after 30 days, Sept. 10, but the National Guard presence continued.
About 2,000 members of the National Guard, overall, have been deployed to Washington, D.C., to patrol on the National Mall, in Metro public transportation stations and across D.C. neighborhoods.
Last month, the West Virginia National Guard announced participation in patrols in Washington, D.C., would continue until the end of the year. However, the mission was being scaled back.
About 160 West Virginia National Guard volunteers were approved to remain in D.C. All personnel not continuing as part of the D.C. Safe and Beautiful mission returned to West Virginia.
COMMENTARY by HOPPY KERCHEVAL: Governor Morrisey and the National Guard in D.C.
In a Dec. 1 press conference with the governor, Major General Seward of the West Virginia National Guard, said members “are trained professionals; they are deputized U.S. marshals in the district. When they’re on patrol they’re armed, and they are trained.”
That press conference included a question from MetroNews about what precautions or self-defense National Guard members were prepared to use as they were deployed to the city where crime emergency conditions were described as the basis from the outset.
The response was in general terms.
“These are people that are trained, and they have knowledge of the situation they’re going into. These are the same people going to all corners of the globe. They’re trained in terms of difficult circumstances,” Morrisey said, concluding “We believe they have the background and training to go in to Washington, D.C., to carry out the mission.”
The West Virginia National Guard specified in an August statement that members were providing support in “areas of sustainment, logistics, administration, public affairs and Joint Staff augmentation.
“Security missions include static and roving presence patrols.” That meant standing or walking in high-traffic areas and at Metro public transit stations along with assistance to U.S. Park Police.
The Democratic caucus in the state Legislature has formally requested an oversight hearing during January interim meetings to examine the circumstances surrounding the deployment of West Virginia National Guard members to Washington, D.C.
The proposed hearing would require testimony from leaders of the West Virginia National Guard and representatives from the Office of the Governor. Democrats say it is a necessary step to ensure future deployments are made lawfully, purposefully and with appropriate safeguards.

“Our Guard members serve with honor. We owe them answers,” said Delegate John Williams, D- Monongalia.
“This tragedy demands a clear and factual review so that lessons are learned and protections strengthened moving forward.”
West Virginia
West Virginia schools announce weather delays, closures for Monday, Dec. 15
WEST VIRGINIA (WCHS) — A weekend filled with snow and frigid temperatures has prompted West Virginia school systems to delay or close schools, or move to non-traditional learning.
The following counties announced they will be closed on Monday, Dec. 15:
- Barbour
- Braxton
- Brooke
- Calhoun
- Clay
- Doddridge
- Gilmer
- Grant (partial)
- Hancock
- Harrison
- Jackson
- Kanawha
- Lewis
- Marion
- Marshall
- Monongalia
- Nicholas
- Ohio
- Pleasants
- Preston
- Putnam
- Randolph
- Roane
- Taylor
- Tucker
- Tyler
- Upshur
- Wayne
- Webster
- Wetzel
- Wirt
- Wood
The following counties announced that they will be operating on a delay on Monday:
- Berkeley
- Grant (partial)
- Greenbrier
- Hampshire
- Hardy
- Jefferson
- McDowell
- Mineral
- Monroe
- Morgan
- Pendleton
- Summers
Some Grant County schools have elected to operate on a delay rather than close altogether.
Meanwhile, a few schools have announced a move to non-traditional learning for Monday:
- Boone
- Cabell
- Fayette
- Lincoln
- Logan
- Mason
- Mercer
- Mingo
- Pocahontas
- Raleigh
- Ritchie
For the latest updates on school closures in West Virginia, click here.
To get the latest weather information and forecasts, head to the Eyewitness News Storm Team page.
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