West Virginia University’s recent signings of Kevin Brown in football and Miles Sadler in men’s basketball reflect the athletic department’s overall rise in national prominence. Read more: Brown and Sadler highlight dramatic shift in WVU Athletics
Ross Hodge has also recently announced the signings of four-star guard Kingston Whitty and center Aliou Dioum. These additions to both major sports are indicative of the growth that is in store for WVU Athletics.
Basketball returns to national glory
You don’t even have to mention the current 5-0 record. Or the fact that Ross Hodge has the best start as a WVU basketball coach since Fred Schaus in the 1950s.
Put all that aside and look at the facts — West Virginia is in a better place with Hodge at the helm. Evident not only in the results on the court so far, but also in the signings he has already been able to bring in.
I wrote a more in-depth article regarding the Sadler signing, which you can read here. Hodge also recently announced the addition of his teammate, Aliou Dioum, further solidifying the future of men’s hoops in Morgantown.
Dioum is a 6-foot-10 forward/center from Dakar, Senegal. He currently attends Bella Vista Prep in Arizona, alongside Sadler.
He has already shown the potential to be an elite defender with his size and length. Dioum’s athleticism is also a plus as he’s able to make up for mistakes in positioning and still come away with a swat or blocked shot.
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His shooting ability looks to be suitable as well. He’s been able to consistently knock down midrange shots, but is most comfortable around the rim where he can use his size.
Dioum will most certainly have to put on some weight, currently sitting at 220 pounds. But as of right now, this is a great pickup for Hodge and his defensive-centered philosophy.
The addition of Whitty
In addition, Hodge recently announced the signing of the 6-foot-2 guard, Kingston Whitty. He currently plays for Christ School in North Carolina, but is originally from Mableton, Georgia.
Whitty’s future head coach had some high praise for him after his commitment to West Virginia.
“We feel Kingston is one of the most underrated guards in the country,” Hodge said. “He is a great player but even better person. His character and work ethic will fit perfectly with our program. He is a natural competitor who works at a high level.”
Alongside his counterpart Sadler and current Mountaineer Amir Jenkins, Kingston will help to round out WVU’s backcourt for years to come.
Massive signing for Rich Rod
Moving over to the football program, WVU Head Coach Rich Rodriguez has managed to turn a disastrous season into a reason to be hopeful for the future.
West Virginia is currently 4-7, despite starting 2-6, with a recent heartbreaking loss to Arizona State that would have had them fighting for bowl eligibility when they take on Texas Tech on Nov. 29.
I’ll be the first to admit that after WVU’s embarrassing 45-13 loss to UCF, I thought this team was going to win maybe one more game. Let’s just say their win at Houston was not on my radar.
Rodriguez has started to put his stamp on this team. He’s having them play better than what it says on paper. You can also see that this team is also playing with more fire and pride, despite the disappointing season.
He was also able to bring in coveted Penn State decommit, Kevin Brown. If you want to learn more about that signing, go here.
Brown will be a much needed face-lift for this struggling offensive line. His raw ability will immediately improve a group that has been a major letdown this season, whether he starts right away or not.
While this hasn’t been the season Mountaineer fans hoped for, Rodriguez is slowly putting the pieces together to bring West Virginia football back to national relevance.
Don’t forget about baseball
It’s easy to forget, but WVU Baseball has made the NCAA Super Regional’s two years in a row. This includes the first year under head coach Steve Sabins.
The baseball program, once an afterthought, has quickly become a national powerhouse. WVU is perfectly suited for the future, thanks to former head coach, Randy Mazey.
Now, Sabins is entering his second year in charge and he too is stamping his mark on the program.
Star utility player Gavin Kelly is one of those. The 2025 Big 12 All-Freshman Team recipient opted to continue playing at West Virginia, proving that he is confident in Sabins and the program.
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Standout relief pitcher Reese Bassinger will also return for his final year at WVU. Bassinger was named an All-Big 12 Honorable Mention after going 7-1 last year with a 4.24 ERA
Sabins was also able to bring in a number of quality transfers for the 2026 season. Division II All-American Dawson Montesa is one of those. He previously attended Adelphi University, where he finished with 105 strikeouts in 72.1 innings in two seasons.
On the hitting side, Micheal Graveline is another transfer that is primed to make an impact for the Mountaineers. He attended Ohio State for the past three years, where he hit for .277 with 19 home runs and 116 RBI’s.
A bright future ahead
No matter what sport it is, Mountaineer fans have a lot to be excited about.
WVU Athletics are in a good place right now. As more recruits like Sadler and Brown sign to the university, there is hope for even more success in the department’s future.
