Rich Rodriguez Explains WVU’s Roster Plans Without Second Portal Window

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. – Unlike in his first year back on the job, Rich Rodriguez doesn’t have to worry about a second transfer portal window looming after spring ball. However, he also doesn’t have it as a way to find new players if he’s not satisfied with what he sees at practice.

West Virginia’s 2026 roster is mostly set, which means spring is just about developing the current players instead of using it as a form of tryouts. But even with that being the case, Rodriguez still left room to add a few more players to his team. He has 101 players available at the start of spring practices – there’s now a 105-player roster limit.

While talking to the media for the first time in months on Tuesday, Rodriguez said he still wants to acquire two or three more players, mostly as depth pieces. Players who entered the transfer portal and have yet to find a new team are still available, granted Rodriguez also mentioned he might just bring in junior college guys, too.

Regardless of who becomes a Mountaineer from this point forward, the 2026 roster is full of much more proven talent than at this point one year ago. Multiple four-stars from the highest ranked high recruiting class in program history are developing next to Power Four transfers and other experienced players looking to elevate their game after starting off at the Group of 5 level.

Last year, the WVU roster had fewer Power Four transfers and the Group of 5 or FCS transfers were either lower rated or players who hadn’t seen the field much prior to arriving in Morgantown.

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For a related story, Rich Rodriguez offers insight into his view of Michael Hawkins Jr. and WVU’s quarterback competition.