Pulling Double Duty? Is WVU Really Planning to Use Matt Sieg on Offense?

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. – One of the most unique players on the 2026 Mountaineers, Matt Sieg is expected to be a key piece for the West Virginia defense, but will he actually influence multiple sides of the ball?

Based on Sieg’s athleticism and Rich Rodriguez leaving the door open, many have speculated about the possibility of WVU’s prized four-star recruit getting time on offense. While how much Sieg plays on offense, if at all, and if it ever happens in a game remains to be seen, he did earn enough of a look during the spring practice period to warrant defensive coordinator Zac Alley discussing it following the Gold-Blue Spring Festival on April 18.

“I think Matt’s [Sieg] done a great job. I mean, everything you could expect of a freshman coming into a new system and all of that. He’s got all the athletic ability in the world and he’s been running really well. I think he’s really smart so he plays smart. He’s very football savvy. He’s just a natural kid out there. He understands where the ball is, the angles to take and he’s got great ball skills and all of that,” Alley said, raving about what it’s been like to coach Sieg so far.

Alley also discussed how he’s handling Sieg pulling double-duty, or at least splitting some time, even if the bulk of his work is with the defense.

“Selfishly, I don’t really want him to go to offense, but if it helps the team, I’m all for whatever it is. “We’re very organized in what we do so we make sure we get him the reps he needs. But he’s primarily on my side so I kinda get first default depending on what’s going on.”

Sieg surprised many across the region by announcing his decision to flip from Penn State to WVU, picking the Mountaineers over offers from rivals Pitt and Virginia Tech.

Sieg owns multiple WPIAL records, most notably for career total yardage. He wrapped up his high school career and recruitment as the No. 3 player in Pennsylvania, per 247Sports, along with being the No. 9 safety in the country from his class and the No. 79 overall player. Despite playing quarterback, he’s projected to be a safety at the next level.

Sieg talked about his desire to play offense with WVSN at the beginning of his recruitment.

“I like their offense and it’s very fun to watch. I like that it’s uptempo and high powered. I think I could definitely succeed there no matter where I play, just off of scheme, but I also think there are great coaches and all the tools to further develop my game in all aspects.”

At one point, Sieg had offers from schools such as Alabama, Iowa, Maryland, Michigan State, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, Notre Dame, Pitt, Penn State, Rutgers, Stanford, Syracuse, Temple, USC, Vanderbilt, Virginia Tech and Wisconsin among others.

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

For a related story, Rich Rodriguez evaluates his team’s “Hard Edge” in the spring scrimmage.