Rodriguez Prioritizes Foundational Building Over Portal Transfers for WVU Football
Morgantown, WV – West Virginia head coach Neal Brown emphasized a long-term rebuilding strategy centered on high school recruiting and player development, asserting that relying heavily on the transfer portal for immediate fixes will ultimately hinder the Mountaineers‘ progress. Brown’s comments signal a purposeful shift away from quick-solution roster construction and toward establishing a sustainable program foundation.
The approach comes at a pivotal moment for the program,following a 9-4 season and amidst ongoing roster evaluation.While acknowledging the portal’s role in college football, Brown believes sustained success requires cultivating talent from within, a process he argues is more reliable than chasing short-term gains through portal acquisitions. This ideology impacts recruiting efforts, player retention strategies, and the overall trajectory of the West virginia football program as it navigates the evolving landscape of college athletics.
“We’re not going to try to shortcut this thing,” Brown stated, outlining his vision for the program. “We’re going to build it the right way. That means identifying and developing high school players, and then supplementing with the portal when it makes sense for fit and long-term potential, not just immediate need.”
Brown’s stance reflects a broader concern about the potential pitfalls of over-reliance on the transfer portal, including team chemistry issues and a lack of program continuity. He pointed to the importance of players understanding and embracing the program’s culture, something he believes is more easily fostered with recruits who develop within the system.
Recent recruiting successes, including the addition of linebacker Trey McGlothlin to the 2026 class, underscore this commitment. Together, the program is navigating roster decisions, with several current Mountaineers facing a critical timeline to secure their positions on the team. Brown also acknowledged the ongoing situation surrounding WVU legacy recruit Chris Henry Jr., who is currently weighing his options.
The coaching staff is currently evaluating the current roster,determining which players will contribute to the program’s future and which may need to make room for incoming talent. A recent article detailed the challenges facing several Mountaineers as they compete to maintain their roster spots. Brown’s emphasis on foundational building suggests that these evaluations will prioritize players who align with the program’s long-term vision and demonstrate a commitment to its core values.
