WVU Wrestling enters the 2026-27 season with plenty of momentum, and head coach Tim Flynn believes the program is getting closer to where he wants it to be.
Flynn recently received a four-year contract extension that will keep him at West Virginia through the 2029-30 season.
Related: WVU Wrestling Head Coach Tim Flynn agrees to a four-year extension
For Flynn, the biggest part of the extension is being able to continue working with the group he has helped build.
“We really like the kids we have now, so just ensuring that I can work with the guys we have on the team now for the rest of their careers is kind of important to me.”
Since Flynn took over in 2018, the program has taken several steps forward. The Mountaineers have finished ranked nationally in each of the last three seasons, and Flynn believes the biggest difference is the overall mindset of the team.
“The whole team seems a lot more focused and driven to be great students and great athletes.”
Flynn joined me and fellow staff writer Trent Conner for a WV Sports Nation exclusive interview to share everything you read here. Read more: Tim Flynn sees WVU Wrestling ready to take another step forward.
Flynn wants WVU in the top 10
While West Virginia has established itself as a consistent program, Flynn doesn not want the Mountaineers to stop there.
“I think that we should be and can be a top 10 team here.”
Getting there will take more than just good wrestling. Flynn pointed to recruiting as the biggest piece, while also mentioning development, fan support, alumni, and boosters.
“You can’t be great in one area. You got to kind of have all the pieces, and I think we’re on our way.”
The Mountaineers have also added another piece to help with that next step, bringing back one of the best wrestlers in program history.
Peyton Hall returns to Morgantown
Former WVU standout Peyton Hall is back in Morgantown, this time as a member of Flynn’s coaching staff.
Hall finished his WVU career as the winningest wrestler in program history, a three-time All-American, and five-time academic All-American.
For Flynn, bringing Hall back was an easy decision.
“It’s just kind of a no-brainer. You get people like that, and if anyone has met Peyton, he’s a really, really personable kid who I think is going to help not only on the mat, but I think with fundraising, with recruiting. I just think he’s the whole package.”
Hall gives West Virginia another familiar face who understands what it takes to compete at the highest level.
Not backing down from the best
The Mountaineers will have one of their toughest schedules yet, including road matchups against Penn State and Oklahoma State.
Flynn is not looking at those matches as punishment for his team. He’s looking at them as an opportunity.
“This is like a Christmas present. You get to wrestle at Penn State on the road in front of a completely full house against the maybe top-ranked kid in the country. I mean, wow, that’s the kind of stuff you dream about.”
West Virginia will also face Iowa State and Missouri, giving the Mountaineers plenty of chances to test themselves against some of the best teams in the country.
Related: WVU Wrestling adds Penn State to schedule
Flynn believes those matches can show his wrestlers exactly where they stand before the NCAA Championships.
“If Penn State has five or six number one ranked guys in the country, our guys are going to immediately know where they stand.”
That challenge is something Flynn believes his wrestlers want.
Waters leads the way
At the center of WVU’s roster is two-time All-American Ty Waters.
The next step is simple; stay healthy and chase a national championship.
“I know for a fact he can compete with anybody in the country. We just got to get him to the final race in one piece.”
Waters is in good company with other returners. Ian Bush, Brody Conley and Rune Lawrence are also back, giving the Mountaineers a mix of experience and younger talent.
Flynn also wants his wrestlers to be successful away from the mat.
Bush was named Big 12 Scholar-Athlete of the Year last season, something Flynn believes represents what his program is trying to build.
“I do believe you can do that. You can be a great student and you can be a great wrestler at the same time.”
For Flynn, the long-term goal remains clear; build WVU into a top 10 program and eventually produce a national champion.
The Mountaineers have already started getting wrestlers onto the podium and producing All-Americans. Now, Flynn wants that success to build.
“The more you produce, the higher level you can recruit the next time around.”
With a challenging schedule, a new addition to the coaching staff, and several experienced wrestlers returning, Flynn believes West Virginia is in position to keep moving forward.
For the Mountaineer faithful, he has one simple message heading into the season.
“Come out and support the Mountaineers, man. I’m optimistic with it. I think it’s just going to be a good show.”
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