A dramatic week of changes has shaken West Virginia University’s football program, sending ripples through the fanbase and college football circles alike. The Mountaineers are in the midst of a major transition as three of their most high-profile players have entered the transfer portal, leaving fans with mixed emotions and plenty of questions about the team’s future. But amid these departures, there is also reason for optimism as head coach Neal Brown has announced his return for the 2025 season. Here’s a breakdown of the latest developments surrounding the Mountaineers
In an unexpected and emotional move, WVU quarterback Kaden Williams announced that he will be stepping away from football for the foreseeable future, citing health reasons. The 6-foot-4, 215-pound signal-caller had been one of the team’s brightest stars and had guided the Mountaineers to an impressive 2024 season. However, in a tear-filled press conference earlier this week, Williams revealed that his body was no longer capable of withstanding the physical demands of college football.
“I’ve given everything I have to this game, but after consulting with my doctors and family, I’ve come to the painful conclusion that I can’t play anymore,” Williams said. “Football has been my life, but now it’s time to focus on my health and future beyond the field.”
Williams, who threw for over 3,000 yards and 28 touchdowns this past season, was considered one of the top quarterbacks in the Big 12. His decision to leave the game at the peak of his career has left many Mountaineers fans heartbroken. Still, Williams’ health and well-being are paramount, and his contributions to the program will not soon be forgotten.
While Williams won’t be playing anymore, he did express interest in staying connected to the program, potentially taking on a role as a mentor or advisor to future quarterbacks. That could prove invaluable for a team in need of stability at the most important position on the field.
Three Mountaineer Superstars Enter Transfer Portal
As if Williams’ departure wasn’t enough to shake the WVU football world, three of the team’s other standout players — wide receiver Jordan Greene, running back Tyrese Brown, and linebacker Zachary Harris — have all decided to enter the transfer portal.
- Jordan Greene, one of the best wideouts in the Big 12, posted a heartfelt message on social media thanking Mountaineer Nation for their support. He explained that he was seeking a new challenge and felt that the time was right for a fresh start elsewhere. Greene was a key piece of WVU’s offense, racking up over 1,100 receiving yards and 10 touchdowns this season. His decision leaves a sizable hole in the Mountaineers’ receiving corps, and his departure will be felt heavily.
- Tyrese Brown, a versatile running back who had shown flashes of brilliance in both the running and passing games, also confirmed his decision to leave. Brown’s decision is likely driven by a desire to play in a system that offers him more opportunities to be the featured back. With over 800 yards from scrimmage and 8 total touchdowns this season, Brown was a central figure in the Mountaineers’ offense, and his absence will undoubtedly put pressure on the next generation of running backs.
- Zachary Harris, a stalwart in the Mountaineers’ defense, announced he was entering the portal as well. The 6-foot-3 linebacker, who led the team in tackles and sacks this season, expressed his desire to join a program with stronger championship aspirations. Harris was a captain on defense, and his leadership will be missed as WVU looks to rebuild its defense for the 2025 season.
The loss of these three stars is undoubtedly a major setback for WVU, as it will require both the coaching staff and recruiting team to step up and find immediate replacements. These players represented not only talent but also a wealth of experience, and their absence will make the upcoming season a challenge.
Neal Brown Returns – A New Era of Mountaineer Football
Amid the uncertainty surrounding the Mountaineers’ roster, there is some good news: Head coach Neal Brown will return for the 2025 season. There had been growing speculation that Brown’s job might be on the line after the team failed to live up to expectations in 2024. However, WVU athletic director Shane Lyons confirmed earlier this week that Brown will remain at the helm for another year.
“We believe in Coach Brown and the vision he has for this program,” Lyons said in a statement. “We are fully committed to the direction he’s taking WVU football, and we trust that he will lead us through this period of transition.”
Brown, who has been with the Mountaineers since 2019, has shown flashes of success but has yet to fully bring WVU back to its previous level of competitiveness. The upcoming season will be critical for his future at the program. With a number of holes to fill in the roster, Brown and his staff will need to get creative in rebuilding the team and maintaining fan support.
“We’ve got a lot of work ahead of us,” Brown said in his own statement. “But I’m excited about the future of this team. We’re going to keep fighting, keep recruiting, and keep developing. We’re in this together.”
What’s Next for WVU?
The Mountaineers are at a crossroads, but with Coach Brown’s leadership and a strong recruiting class on the way, there’s hope that the program can bounce back. WVU’s ability to find key contributors through the transfer portal will be crucial in the coming months, especially as they look to replace the talent lost by Williams, Greene, Brown, and Harris.
The 2025 season is shaping up to be one of the most pivotal in recent memory for West Virginia football. The Mountaineers’ fans, known for their unwavering loyalty, will have to be patient as the team works through this transition. But if the right moves are made, WVU could very well find itself back on track sooner rather than later.
Stay tuned to WVU News Now for ongoing coverage of the Mountaineers as they navigate this exciting, yet challenging time for the program.By: WVU News Team
Date: December 6, 2024
