West Virginia’s run to the 2026 College World Series did not come out of nowhere. The Mountaineers returned several key players from last season’s deep postseason push, and few with experience dating back to 2024. These are battle-tested athletes with multiple Super Regional appearances under their belts. A core group delivered game-changing hits and performances in last year’s postseason and returned to do the same in 2026 on an even bigger stage. Read more: Clutch veterans fueled WVU’s run to Omaha.
Armani Guzman
Armani Guzman has often stepped up throughout his career at WVU. As a sophomore in 2025, he earned NCAA Clemson Regional MVP and made the All-Tournament Team thanks to several crucial hits.
He hit a walk-off sacrifice fly against Kentucky and went 4-for-5, drove in three runs, and had the game-winning hit in the NCAA Clemson Regional final against Kentucky. He also added multiple key hits and RBI against Clemson.
His experience has translated perfectly into 2026. Guzman has started all 60 games, hitting .312 with 20 doubles, two triples, one home run, 41 RBI, and 38 stolen bases. His 38 stolen bases tie a school record that Victor Scott set in 2022.
THE MOMENT, THE MAGIC, THE MEMORIES ✨
Armani Guzman with a WALK OFF to secure WVU’s spot in the Supers!! #RoadToOmaha x 🎥 ESPN2 / @WVUBaseball pic.twitter.com/DsRvYklzM5
— NCAA Baseball (@NCAABaseball) June 2, 2026
His lone home run came against Cal Poly in the Super Regional clincher, and he finished with three RBI. Guzman’s walk-off single in extra innings against Kentucky in the 2026 Morgantown Regional sent WVU to the Super Regionals for the third consecutive season.
Gavin Kelly
Gavin Kelly earned Big 12 All-Freshman honors while hitting .299 in 2025. He continued to excel in the Clemson Regional with multi-hit games and clutch RBI, helping WVU advance.
In 2026, Kelly has been one of the most dominant players in the country. He is batting .384 with 17 home runs, 57 RBI, 21 doubles, and 66 runs scored. He earned NCAA Morgantown Regional MVP, All-Big 12 First Team, and NCBWA District 2 Co-Player of the Year. In the Super Regional against Cal Poly, he went 3-for-4 with a home run as part of WVU’s offensive explosion.
Kelly is extremely versatile, leading the team with an absurd batting average while excelling as a catcher, second baseman, and in other positions. He has elite bat control and has gained significant power in his sophomore season, making him the centerpiece of the lineup and a Golden Spikes Award semifinalist.
Ben Lumsden
Ben Lumsden has made a habit of saving his biggest swings for the biggest stages. In 2025, Lumsden hit just two home runs but delivered a massive homer and two RBI against LSU in the Baton Rouge Super Regional.
In 2026, Lumsden exploded in the NCAA Tournament. He launched a three-run home run in the Morgantown Regional opener against Binghamton, then crushed two home runs and drove in five RBI in the Super Regional clincher against Cal Poly.
Maxx Yehl
Maxx Yehl missed the entire 2025 season due to injury, but brought valuable prior experience to the mix. In 2026, he has been dominant, posting a 9-2 record with a 2.10 ERA and 105 strikeouts over 90 innings. He earned Big 12 Pitcher of the Year and National Pitcher of the Year finalist honors. He has been a lockdown starter in high-leverage postseason games, including strong outings in the Morgantown Regional.
These returning warriors have provided the experience, leadership, and clutch plays needed to reach Omaha for the first time in program history. Their ability to deliver big hits and big innings when it matters most has been a driving force behind the 2026 magic.
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