Ben Cutter Explains Loyalty to WVU During Tough Times: ‘I Love This State’

Going from a freshman cast into a starter role to a senior leading a whole new era for WVU football, Ben Cutter will always be remembered as a true Mountaineer.

Displaying a unique mentality in this era of the sport, Cutter has continuously decided to stay at West Virginia every year. The coaching transition from Neal Brown to Rich Rodriguez didn’t cause him to leave. And he didn’t consider looking to finish his career elsewhere after WVU endured a rough 4-8 2025 season either.

When asked why he decided to stick around and complete his college career with one program, Cutter explained that his love of the state and the school is too strong to leave no matter what.

“I love this state and I love this team, I don’t think there’s anything that can pull me out of here,” responded Cutter during his first media session of the spring on Tuesday, March 24.

“I want to be able to be a West Virginia fan for the rest of my life. I don’t know what people do who transfer around to 400 schools. Who do you support when you’re done playing college football?”

Cutter will now try to lead a revamped defense in 2026 and end his career as an important piece to a team that makes the West Virginia Mountaineers great again.

But regardless what happens in his final season, Cutter, a native of North Carolina, will forever be able to call West Virginia home.

West Virginia’s Ben Cutter (15) celebrates a big hit against Cincinnati during the 2024 season. (WVSN photo by Cody Nespor)

He recorded 38 total tackles, his lowest single-season total in his career, and picked off two passes in 2025. In 37 games and 10 starts at WVU, Cutter enters his senior season with 133 total tackles with 54 credited as solo, three sacks and two interceptions.

Find more coverage of the WVU football program at WV Sports Now.