Ben Cutter Makes Bold Claim About Difference in 2026 Defense

With so much focus on the new-look offense, it’s likely the defense that will dictate how the WVU football season unfolds. Having fully transitioned from freshman cast into a role right away to veteran leader, Ben Cutter is confident that his unit will deliver when called upon this year.

Cutter explained why he’s so confidence and what’s different during a recent appearance on the “3 Guys Before the Game” podcast.

“I think that we are in a very good spot defensively, for this season. A lot better than last year. A lot better players and a lot better character from the defense,” said Cutter.

“Last year, we didn’t have as many leaders stepping up. We had a lot of guys that could play really good, but whenever things got tough, some of them weren’t the highest character,” he added candidly.

“And when you have that many guys that can’t withstand a hard game of go through hardships and stay level-headed, it kind of brings some of the guys that are level-headed down with them. This year, we have so many guys that are leaders, high character, can really step up and lead whenever things start getting tough. We’re going to have the guys that are kind of half in, half out, rise to that occasion, and we’re going to bring them up.”

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

And when Tony Caridi asked how many “dawgs” are on the 2026 defense, Cutter didn’t hesitate to throw out several names.

“I would say Geimere Latimer and Andrew Powdrell are two of those guys. They are completely leading that secondary. He (Powdrell) is the strongest pound for pound, I’ve ever played with or seen. He’s elite. He power cleaned 345. Ashton Woods is another one of those guys. Tyler Stolsky, Jason Hall. On the d-line, Corey McIntyre is a dawg. He has really stepped up this year. Nate Gabriel is a really good player.”

Since it will take a full team effort to be successful, Cutter even shed light on what’s he’s noticed from the offensive line in practices.

“They are way more disciplined this year. They line up fast, firing off the ball every snap. Really well-coached and they’re mean too. We got a lot of mean guys. They are going to be a hard group to play against. Four quarters of that…people are going to be hurting.”

Cutter will need to step up himself this fall. 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.

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For a related story, Ben Cutter opened up about why he stayed loyal to West Virginia.