WVU Football Starts Week Strong with Transfer Portal Commits; Legendary Coach Joins Staff
By Justin Walker, Clark Johnson & Jonathan Martin | WV Sports Chat
After a disappointing 4-8 season in his return to coach the West Virginia football program in 2025, Rich Rodriguez made a splash on National Signing Day by signing the highest-rated recruiting class ever at WVU. The class was full of talented players, and a LOT of them. Rich Rod and his staff received signatures from 49 high school and JUCO recruits for the 2026 season.
Now, Rodriguez and his staff are looking to make a similar splash in the transfer portal. After losing more than 30 players to the portal, Rodriguez looks to not only replace those who departed but also hopes to upgrade. It appears they have gotten off to a good start.
Only three days into the transfer portal window, the Mountaineers have received commitments from six players. Five of the six have at least some experience at the Power Four level. Below is a snapshot of each player Rodriguez and his staff have received commitments from so far.
Will LeBlanc, Offensive Line – UT Permian Basin (Division II) – RS Freshman
LeBlanc, who will have three years of eligibility remaining, had a solid 2025 season after redshirting in 2024. The Texas native tallied 32 tackles, 5 tackles for loss, 1.5 sacks, and a fumble recovery during his redshirt freshman campaign. Standing at 6-foot-4 inches tall and weighing 300-pounds, LeBlanc has the size to be a force on WVU’s defensive line.
He was also scheduled to visit Wisconsin and NC State.
Isaiah Patterson, Linebacker – UNLV – RS Freshman
Patterson, who will have three seasons of eligibility remaining, visited Morgantown over the weekend. In his one season with the Rebels, the Washington native tallied 46 tackles, 1 pass defended, and 0.5 sacks. He also spent one season with UCLA, where he redshirted in 2024.
Prince Strachan, Wide Receiver – USC – RS Junior
Strachan, who previously spent time with Boise State, has accumulated 38 receptions for 603 yards and 3 touchdowns in his career. Standing at 6-foot-5 and weighing 215 pounds, the Bahamas native has the size and speed to be a lethal red zone threat for the Mountaineers.
He will have two seasons of eligibility remaining after appearing in only one game for the Trojans in 2025.
Michael Hawkins Jr., Quarterback – Oklahoma – RS Freshman
Michael Hawkins Jr., a former four-star recruit from Frisco Emerson High School in Texas, joined the Oklahoma Sooners in 2023. Over two seasons, he appeared in nine games, throwing for 950 yards and accounting for eight touchdowns. His dual-threat capabilities—combining arm strength with mobility—provides quality competition with returning quarterback Scotty Fox.
Hawkins appeared in less than four games for the Sooners in 2025, which should garner a redshirt. That means he would have three years of eligibility remaining.
Maliek Hawkins, Cornerback – Oklahoma – Freshman
Maliek Hawkins, who is the younger brother of the aforementioned quarterback, was a highly touted three-star defensive back in the 2025 recruiting class. Also hailing from Frisco Emerson, Maliek drew offers from powerhouse programs like Texas before committing to Oklahoma.
As a cornerback standing at 6-foot, 190 pounds, he brings athleticism and potential to any secondary. Maliek has four years of eligibility left, making him an attractive long-term addition for the Mountaineers.
Geimere Latimer, Cornerback – Wisconsin – Junior
Latimer, a 5-foot-10, 191-pound defensive back from Fairburn, Georgia, brings a wealth of experience to Morgantown. Over three collegiate seasons, he has accumulated 79 tackles, four interceptions, five pass deflections, and two forced fumbles.
His journey began at Jacksonville State, where he played under current Mountaineer head coach Rich Rodriguez and current defensive coordinatorZac Alley in 2023 and 2024. Latimer racked up 56 tackles and all four of his interceptions during that time.
Transferring to Wisconsin for the 2025 season, Latimer appeared in all 12 games for the Badgers, starting three and contributing 28 tackles along with one forced fumble as their primary nickel cornerback.
The decision to join West Virginia also comes with a personal connection. Latimer’s younger brother, Amari Latimer—a four-star running back recruit—initially committed to Wisconsin but flipped to the Mountaineers on National Signing Day in December 2025.
WVU football continues to host players on visits in Morgantown this week as they look to fill more positions of need and rebuild the Mountaineer program.
Return of Legendary Assistant Coach Rick Trickett
Arguably, the biggest news of the offseason for West Virginia is the return of former offensive line coach Rick Trickett to Morgantown. The veteran coach reunites with Rodriguez after spending last season at Jacksonville State.
The 77-year-old was a key piece to West Virginia’s success in the early 2000s when he served as Rodriguez’s o-line coach from 2001-2006, before leaving to join the staff at Florida State. He was part of the Seminoles’ National Championship team in 2013. He has also spent time at Auburn, LSU, Memphis, Mississippi State and several other programs.
This is the West Virginia natives’ third stint with the Mountaineers. The former Marine started his coaching career in Morgantown under former coach Frank Cignetti in 1976.
Trickett will be coaching alongside his son, Travis, at West Virginia. Travis Trickett is the Senior Offensive Assistant on the WVU staff.