2024 Michigan Athlete Jacob Oden Receives “Exciting” WVU Offer

The busy recruiting season for West Virginia has continued with another recruit from 2024 being offered.

2024 athlete Jacob Oden from Harper Woods in Harper Woods, Michigan is one of the latest recruits from the 2024 cycle to jump out on WVU’s radar. Oden (6-foot-0, 175 pounds) also has offers from Cincinnati, Kentucky, Maryland, Michigan State, Ole Miss, Pittsburgh, Purdue, Syracuse and Tennessee.

Oden played varsity as a freshman last season for the Pioneers, and while the team struggled to a 2-5 finish, he flashed his skill on both sides of the ball.

WVU first took notice of the fast-rising Oden back in November, and at the Ferris State camp, WVU re-offered him. WVU safeties coach Dontae Wright has been the biggest voice for Oden from Morgantown.

(Photo courtesy of Jacob Oden)

“We’ve talked a few times and then we met in person at camp,” Oden told WVSN. “So I would say [we have a good relationship].”

It’s easy to see why WVU is locked on Oden, with the dual-sport athlete (football and track) showing a nose for the ball and excellent coverage skills as a freshman on his varsity team last season. Listed as an athlete, he played in the secondary and as a receiver for the Panthers.

While Oden said he’s not too familiar about WVU’s coaches and players, he’s been exposed to the Mountaineers a bit by Panthers’ teammate Christion Stokes. Stokes, a 2022 athlete recruit, has been heavily recruited by WVU this season.

That connection was enough to pique Oden’s interest. “It was really exciting, man,” Oden said. “I can’t wait to get to learn more about the school and coaches.”

His first chance to learn more about WVU will come on June 14 when Oden will be making a visit to Morgantown. “I want to see what the atmosphere is around there, and I want to see how comfortable I’ll be there,” Oden said.

With WVU and more than a handful of other schools vying for Oden, so far, he’s said it’s been good getting to know all these coaches. It’s good having so many interested in him, he said.

If WVU is fortunate enough to land Oden’s commitment, they’ll receive a recruit who feels like WVU could be a good fit.

“I think they’re a great program,” Oden said. “I really like coach Wright; I think he’s a very cool coach. I think that can make me better as a player.”