With the transfer portal looming, West Virginia projects significant roster turnover that could unsettle early-season lines. Punters should be cautious on WVU futures and season-long player props until portal targets arrive; however, QB Fox’s grip on the starting job supports betting modest early-week passing props while the offensive line situation could suppress rushing totals and volatile spreads.
WVU Transfer Portal Outlook and Returning Core
Portal timeline and roster context
The transfer portal opens Jan. 2, and West Virginia already expects heavy activity. Coaches plan to target experienced linemen and perhaps veteran back-end defensive help, meaning several depth charts are fluid. While some young contributors project to grow, incoming portal pieces could quickly reshape starting roles and snap distributions.
Position-by-position: Top returning player and what to expect
Quarterback — Fox
Fox seized the starting job after the first bye and kept it, showing resilience despite freshman mistakes. He produced two 300+ yard passing games and a road upset over a ranked opponent. Expect him to begin 2026 as the QB1, giving WVU a clearer passing identity early in the season.
Offensive line — Livingston and Krahe
Livingston quietly excelled in pass protection, earning an 88.1 PFF pass-blocking grade while allowing only one sack and five pressures. That reliability will be vital if the unit remains intact. Krahe had a solid first full year adapting to a new system; he showed flashes but was occasionally outleveraged, leading to pressures. WVU will be active in the portal for guard help, so both roles could be contested.
Running backs — Bowers and depth
Bowers brings speed and a year of system experience, projecting to a rotational role. How deep he is in the pecking order depends on portal additions and incoming freshmen. The running back room should be monitored through spring evaluations.
Receivers — Vaughn and supporting cast
Vaughn flashed big-play ability but disappeared at times, partly due to a lack of consistent complementary targets. If he can tie his talent to more consistent production, he has breakout potential and could become the primary downfield threat.
Tight end — Ward
Ward was the only returning tight end with a catch last year and brings more value than his low receiving totals suggest. Unless staff adds a receiving-focused tight end from the portal, Ward will be expected to contribute in the passing game and in blocking packages.
Secondary — Boyce and cornerroom notes
Boyce logged significant snaps this season and looks entrenched in the safety rotation unless a clear upgrade surfaces via transfer. The cornerback room is thin; a true freshman earned a spot on current lists, but coaches plan to add veterans and JUCO pieces, allowing young corners to develop without being rushed into major roles.
Defensive line and nose guard — Redwood, Bogle
Redwood finished with 23 tackles, one sack and one TFL and currently projects as the starting nose guard — an elite run defender with an opportunity to anchor the interior. Bogle arrived with 19 tackles and three QB pressures, showing he can rush the passer as well as stop the run.
Interior offensive contributors — Haslam and role players
Haslam may not be an obvious starter next season given WVU’s aggressive portal search for two proven guards, but he still offers value in the run game and short-yardage packages. Expect a meaningful rotational role even if new additions push him down the depth chart.
Depth chart volatility and early-season projections
Incoming portal targets will determine how many of these returning players start in Week 1. Some positions — especially the interior offensive line and cornerback room — are likely to see the most turnover. Coaches can stabilize certain spots with JUCO signees and targeted transfers, but expect uncertainty to persist through spring ball.
Betting implications and what punters should watch
Quarterback stability with Fox suggests viable early-week QB passing props, but bettors should be wary of season-long WVU futures until portal targets solidify the line play and defensive backfield. Monitor portal additions at guard and corner; proven guard pickups would improve rushing efficiency expectations and could tighten spreads, while cornerback upgrades would influence passing yard totals and opponent completion rates.
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