In-State Star Punter Jimmy Gregg Explains Why He Picked Syracuse Over WVU

When local star Jimmy Gregg decided to take his talents to Syracuse instead of play for his home state Mountaineers, people in and out of West Virginia began to wonder why WVU fell short? Prior to his decision, Gregg even spent a weekend with the WVU staff and talked openly about his childhood dream of playing for West Virginia.

But unfortunately for the WVU football staff, they were unable to secure Gregg and he committed to Syracuse on June 16 instead.

For West Virginia, losing out on Gregg stands out more than just any in-state player – he’s regraded as the top punter in the country.

Gregg did offer some insight in a recent interview with Samantha Croston of CNY Central.

“Everybody keeps asking me why I didn’t go to WVU, but Syracuse is where I feel that home is…I have a coach who cares about me as more than a Punter,” said Gregg. He also revealed that he made his final decision after a conversation with Syracuse head coach Fran Brown on Father’s Day.

SU Football landed the No. 1 Punter in the Class of 2026, Jimmy Gregg.

"Everybody keeps asking me why I didn't go to WVU, but Syracuse is where I feel that home is…I have a coach who cares about me as more than a Punter." 🍊

Says he and Fran Brown even have a handshake now pic.twitter.com/d2B1p7kbxZ

— Samantha Croston (@SamCroston1) June 20, 2025

Gregg also talked about really feeling comfortable with Brown. According to Gregg, Brown told him that he wanted to make sure he was the right fit as his coach, making the player feel he was also interviewing the school and program as well.

And apparently, Brown made Gregg feel as if Syracuse is his new home. They even have a secret handshake. It should be noted, Gregg did not say anything directly about Rich Rodriguez or WVU.

Listed at 6-foot-1 and 195 pounds, Gregg is a product of University High School in Morgantown as part of the 2026 class.

WVU recruited Gregg hard, sending special teams coordinator Pat Kirkland to his home in May and then inviting Gregg to the facility to spend time with head coach Rich Rodriguez and the rest of the staff.

During his most recent high school season in 2024, Gregg rocketed 37 punts for a total of 1,581 yards. He recorded an average of 42.7 yards and placed 20 balls inside the 20-yard-line, including nine inside the 10.

“I would describe myself as a power punter where I punt accurately and with great hang time specifically from the pocket,” offered Gregg.

North Carolina State and Purdue were the other Power Four programs who showed the most interest in Gregg. Fairmont State and Marshall provided Gregg offers from smaller schools in the state.

In addition to his recent official visit at WVU, North Carolina State and Purdue welcomed Gregg for full weekend visits and he even toured Arkansas and met with Penn State’s James Franklin earlier in the spring.

Find more coverage of WVU football recruiting at WV Sports Now.