Morgantown, WV – Earlier last week, WVU head coach Rich Rodriguez claimed that he would be looking to the NCAA Transfer Portal to add depth to his roster. While the spring portal window is still well over a week away, it is never too early to take a look at players who have already declared their intentions to transfer.
Today, we are going to highlight players Rodriguez and the Mountaineers could potentially pick up in the portal. To make this determination, we will look at offers already extended by WVU, as well as social media engagement from those associated with the program.
Without further ado…
- Sincere Brown (WR), Campbell University
Rodriguez has been adamant that he will look to the portal to add depth at receiver. According to his press conferences, the program doesn’t have enough bodies to operate their offense as he wishes.
Sincere Brown, who has been in the portal since mid-March, could be the perfect prospect to add to the receiver room. Standing at 6’5”, Brown could give the Mountaineers the size that they are missing on the outside.
West Virginia was the first program to offer him after entering the portal, according to Brown’s X account.
2024 stats: 61 receptions, 1,028 yards, 12 TDs
Bless to recieve a offer from West Virginia University ⭐️💙 pic.twitter.com/lYxQs6bUvf
— Sincere Brown (@SincereB8) March 18, 2025
- Shakur Smalls (DB), University of Maine
Depth is also an issue at defensive back, according to Rodriguez. While the position room received a major overhaul in the winter, it is likely there will be more additions and subtractions following spring practice.
Shakur Smalls, a graduate transfer from Maine, will be a name to keep an eye on in the portal. Despite no official confirmation of an offer from WVU, safeties coach Gabe Franklin currently follows him on X.
2024 stats: 43 tackles, 2 TFLs, 7 pass deflections, 1 interception
Maine defensive back Shakur Smalls has entered the transfer portal, @chris_hummer and I have learned.
6-foot, 205-pound Philadelphia native with career totals of 164 tackles, 20 pass breakups and four interceptions. pic.twitter.com/jNT5Odcx2D
— Matt Zenitz (@mzenitz) March 25, 2025
- Sanders Ellis (Edge), Tennessee State University
The defensive line is another area to keep an eye on this portal window. West Virginia will likely bring in multiple players at this position. Sanders Ellis, a 2024 finalist for the Jerry Rice Award, could potentially be in the mix for the Mountaineers.
At this time, there has been no indication that he has been offered by WVU. However, WVU defensive line coach William Green follows him on X. He has received many offers from Power Four programs.
2024 stats: 86 tackles, 15.5 TFLs, 2.5 sacks, 3 fumble recoveries, 1 pass deflection
I have not committed to any school. My recruitment is 100% open.
— Sanders Ellis (@SandersEllis4) March 26, 2025
- Mudia Reuben (WR), Stanford University
Another receiver that the Mountaineers could give a look to is Mudia Reuben out of Stanford. Following the firing of Coach Troy Taylor, Reuben entered the portal on Friday as a graduate transfer.
At this time, there has been no indication of an official offer from West Virginia. However, WVU wide receivers coach Ryan Garrett currently follows him on X.
2024 stats: 4 receptions, 31 yards, 1 TD
Thank you Stanford for the opportunity for a lifetime❤️
I will be entering the portal as a grad student w/2 years eligibility.
Practice Film: https://t.co/dtfdQS4L63
Game Film: https://t.co/AyZ6ZxE6N2 pic.twitter.com/ZLb9ZDmYbp— Mudia Reuben🇳🇬 (@mudia_reuben) March 28, 2025
- Jake Maikkula (OL), Stanford University
Another Stanford departure following the Taylor hiring was offensive lineman Jake Maikkula. Like Reuben, Maikkula also entered the portal on Friday as a graduate transfer.
Analysts Derek Dressler and Travis Trickett, general manager Chuck Lillie, and Rich Rodriguez all follow Maikkula on X.
2024 stats: 12 appearances, 11 starts, Pro Football Focus’s highest graded pass blocking offensive lineman
— Jake Maikkula (@JakeMaikkula) March 29, 2025
Many more players are expected to enter the portal in the coming weeks. Once WVU concludes spring practice, they are expected to be more active in the portal.
Not every position that Rodriguez named is listed above. This is primarily due to the lack of players currently in the portal.
Stay tuned to The Voice of Motown as we will bring you updates on WVU’s activity in the spring portal window.
(Photo by WVU Athletics)
