MORGANTOWN, West Virginia — If there was any doubt about what Ross Hodge is building at West Virginia… it shouldn’t exist anymore.
It’s now clear that Ross Hodge and his coaching staff are building something very special in Morgantown. WVU is active in the transfer portal, and the names they’re going after make it clear… they’re not just trying to compete. They’re trying to win now.
Proven Production Is the Priority
One name to watch is Brant Byers, a 6-foot-8 forward from Miami (OH).
All-MAC Second Team.
14.4 points per game.
39% from three.
On a 32-2 team.
That checks every box.
Size, shooting, and proven winning production. That’s a plug-and-play piece that immediately changes your offense.
INTEL: #WVU is in on Miami (OH) transfer BRANT BYERS.
Byers, all All-MAC second team member, averaged 14.4 points while shooting 39% from three point range for the 32-2 Miami (OH) team. pic.twitter.com/Z6J0MX0urv
— The Voice of Morgantown (@voicemorgantown) April 4, 2026
Another target is Adam Olsen out of South Alabama.
6-foot-8, 225. Strong. Physical. Can score.
- 17 points per game
- 4 rebounds
Different style than Byers, but same idea. Production that translates.
West Virginia has been in contact with Adam Olsen South Alabama transfer
6’8 (F) 225
Averaged
– 17 pts
– 4 reb
– 40% FG pic.twitter.com/Rm3RY73mfd— Jerry West Enthusiast (@Eersfanatic) April 4, 2026
Then you’ve got Isaac Celiscar from Yale.
6-foot-6, 210. Sophomore.
- 13 points
- 6 rebounds
- 3 assists
- 57% shooting
That’s versatility. That’s efficiency. That’s a guy who can impact winning without needing 20 shots.
Yale forward Isaac Celiscar plans to enter the @TransferPortal, source told @On3. ⁰⁰The 6-6 sophomore averaged 13.2 points, 6.3 rebounds, and 3.2 assists per game this season. Scored 17 points against Alabama. Represented by @lamfsports. https://t.co/P2CLLLO2iq pic.twitter.com/x9P8bDIk7P
— Joe Tipton (@JoeTipton) March 25, 2026
The Osaruyi Factor
And WVU isn’t just working the portal.
Five star center Paul Osaruyi, the #4 overall player in the 2027 class, is seriously considering reclassifying. West Virginia is right there with Arkansas and Texas.
And again… the connections matter.
He’s teammates with Miles Sadler and Aliou Dioum at Bella Vista Prep. That chemistry is already built. Add in assistant coach Yusuf Ali, and WVU is in a very real position here.
5⭐️ @milesadler_
4⭐️ @AliouDioum05
5⭐️ Paul Osaruyi? 👀Ross Hodge and Yusuf Ali are doing WORK at #WVU‼️ pic.twitter.com/E0l0NI5rgf
— The Voice of Morgantown (@voicemorgantown) January 25, 2026
The Core Is Already Taking Shape
This is where it gets interesting.
The 2026 class is loaded:
- Miles Sadler – 5 Star Point Guard
- Aliou Dioum – 4 Star Forward/Center
- Kingston Whittey – 4 Star Guard
That’s a serious foundation.
But it’s not just incoming talent.
DJ Thomas is expected to return, and he’s already shown flashes as a freshman that should have WVU fans excited. Efficient, confident, and only scratching the surface. That’s a guy who could take a big jump next season. Amir Jenkins, a talented former four star point guard who battled through the pain of two injured shoulders this season for the Mountaineers, is expected to be back in Morgantown next season as well.
You combine that with portal additions, and suddenly you’re not talking about potential anymore.
You’re talking about a roster that can compete right away.
The Bottom Line
Ross Hodge isn’t sitting back.
He’s attacking the portal. He’s stacking talent. He’s building around a strong recruiting class and pairing it with proven production.
And with key pieces like DJ Thomas returning, the foundation is already in place.
This is how you flip a roster fast.
And right now?
West Virginia looks like it’s just getting started.
