Nate Gabriel On the Inside Track to Start | WVU Football All 105

All 105 is a West Virginia Sports Now series profiling each member of the 2026 WVU Football Roster.

After playing 12 games as a reserve in each of his first two seasons in Morgantown, junior defensive lineman Nate Gabriel has the most Power Four experience of anyone listed at defensive line on the Mountaineers’ roster.

He stands 6-foot-3 and weighs 295 pounds, possessing the size and length needed to close gaps on the interior line: West Virginia lists edge rushers as distinct from defensive linemen, so expect Gabriel to slot in at something like 3-technique in the fall. A three-star recruit in high school, Gabriel grew up in central Florida. He won a 2A state championship and also excelled as a wrestler and discus thrower, possessing a solid all-around athletic profile.

Gabriel’s gridiron experience will provide an important level of stability for a position group with unproven freshmen and junior college transfers. That should elevate him toward the top of the depth chart in 2026.

93 • Nate Gabriel, junior defensive line

Last Year: Gabriel played 12 games for the second consecutive season, playing 286 snaps as a reserve.

Stats: 13 tackles, one tackle for loss and a pass breakup.

Post-Camp Outlook: Gabriel isn’t the tallest, heaviest or oldest defensive lineman on the Mountaineers’ roster, but his well-rounded profile and experience in the top flight of Division I suggests he’ll have the inside edge on playing time this season.

Projected Role: Expect Gabriel to start on the interior line in 2026.

Accolades, Highlights: A three-star recruit in high school entering his third season with the Mountaineers, Gabriel excelled as a three-sport athlete prior to West Virginia.

Coverage Links:

WVU Football Adds to 2024 Class with Commitment from 3-Star DL