Pair of Players With Renewed Eligibility Working Out With WVU Football

Two players from last year’s WVU football roster are participating in team activities, per a post by the program on X. Tight end Jacob Barrick and defensive back Jason Chambers are the two potential returners.

This shows a development in Rodriguez’ attitude toward adding freshly eligible players, as he previously said the team was looking at players, but not ready to add anyone yet.

“Right now, we’re on pause,” Rodriguez said earlier in the week. “We’re researching it. We’re talking to a few that might be eligible. Right now, we’re not adding anybody. Twenty-four hours from now, who knows.”

Barrick finished last season with nine receptions for 69 yards. Chambers tallied 34 total tackles with 29 solo and an interception against UCF.

Class of 2022 athletes now have a fifth year of eligibility after Judge Charlotte Sweeney off the U.S. District Court of Colorado granted a preliminary injunction against the NCAA.

The preliminary injunction comes in light of the NCAA Division I Cabinet passing the “Five-For-Five” rule, which allows four five consecutive years of college eligibility for athletes. However, it was scheduled to start next year, leaving just-graduated seniors without the option for a fifth year.

“All persons in the United States who began to play in collegiate sports in the 2022–2023 season, competed in NCAA Division I sports, and completed four years of eligibility as defined by the NCAA’s prior rules by the conclusion of the 2025–2026 season, and are therefore barred from playing a fifth season due to the NCAA’s adoption and immediate implementation of the Five-Year Eligibility Rule,” the case conclusion stated.

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