Mountaineers Exodus: West Virginia Football Transfer Portal Hits 25 Players

Another West Virginia football player is leaving the program. Offensive lineman Xavier Bausley announced his portal entry on Saturday.

This brings the total number of Mountaineers in the transfer portal to 25. The program is undergoing a major roster overhaul this offseason.

Xavier Bausley Departs After One Season in Morgantown

Bausley spent just one year with West Virginia. He transferred from Jacksonville State before the 2024 season.

He saw limited playing time under former coach Neal Brown. Bausley appeared in only five games on offense last year.

His most significant action was an 11-snap outing against Oklahoma State. An injury further limited his role this past season.

He played only two offensive snaps in 2024. Those came during a loss to Utah.

Bausley did contribute on special teams in eight games. His departure was confirmed via a social media post.

According to Sports Illustrated, he thanked the university for the opportunity. He stated he will use his final year of eligibility elsewhere.

Full Roster Reset Poses Major Challenge for New Staff

The list of departing players is extensive. It spans offense, defense, and special teams.

On offense, key running backs like Jahiem White are leaving. Multiple quarterbacks and wide receivers are also in the portal.

The defensive exodus includes several defensive backs and linebackers. This mass departure creates significant holes across the lineup.

New head coach Rich Rodriguez faces a daunting task. He must rebuild the roster almost from scratch through the portal.

This level of turnover is common after a coaching change. However, the sheer volume at West Virginia is notable.

The team’s ability to compete in the Big 12 next season is now a major question. Success will depend on rapid integration of new transfers.

The West Virginia football transfer portal situation highlights the modern era of college sports. Coach Rodriguez’s first major test is replacing a quarter of his roster before the season even begins.

A quick knowledge drop for you:

Who is Xavier Bausley?

Xavier Bausley is a redshirt junior offensive lineman. He transferred to West Virginia from Jacksonville State for the 2024 season and saw limited playing time before entering the transfer portal.

How many WVU players are in the transfer portal?

As of this report, 25 West Virginia Mountaineers have announced plans to enter the transfer portal. This includes players from offense, defense, and special teams.

Why are so many players leaving?

A coaching change from Neal Brown to Rich Rodriguez is the primary catalyst. Such widespread roster movement is increasingly common when a new staff takes over a program.

Which position group is hardest hit?

The running back room has been significantly depleted. Key contributors Jahiem White and Diore Hubbard are among the offensive players entering the portal.

What does this mean for next season?

West Virginia will likely rely heavily on transfer portal acquisitions to fill its roster. Coach Rodriguez faces a substantial rebuilding challenge in his first year back in Morgantown.