Select WVU Football Recruits Attending Big 12 Opener Saturday Night

A night game to open the conference schedule means a big opportunity for Rich Rodriguez and his staff to showcase the WVU football program, especially to potential future Mountaineers.

With about 40 high school prospects from freshman to seniors expected to be in Morgantown to take in West Virginia vs. Oklahoma State, below are just some of the notable recruits who have made their appearance known.

Zai’Vion Meads – 2027 DT, Kentucky (WVU commit) 

Meads’ connection to the WVU staff has been growing since West Virginia extend him an offer back on Feb. 26. WVU defensive line coach William Green called him directly with the Mountaineers’ interest. He booked his official visit in March.

Considered a 2027 three-star recruit, Meads, a 6-foot-3 and 280-pound product of Atherton High School in Louisville, is ranked as one of the top 15 players in the state by multiple national recruiting services. 247 Sports has Meads as their No. 88 defensive lineman in the country and within the top 800 players nationally.

He totaled 87 tackles with 48 credited as solo, had 18 tackles for a loss and nine sacks during his most recent season in 2025.

West Virginia was battling the likes of Baylor, Kentucky, Louisville, Mississippi State, Nebraska, Northwestern, Purdue and Wake Forest. Meads also has offers from Group of 5 schools like Akron, Ball State, Colorado State, FIU, Kent State, Marshall, Miami (OH), Toledo, UNLV, Western Kentucky and others.

Xavier Wright – 2029 QB, South Carolina

Justin Merriman – 2029 QB, New Jersey 

Michel Adams – 2028 DE, Delaware 

Riley Robinson – 2029 ATH, Delaware 

Timothy Roshell – 2028 QB, Alabama 

More recruits may be added as they’re announced.

West Virginia (3-0) and Oklahoma State (2-1) will battle in a prime-time matchup on Saturday night. Kickoff is set from Milan Puskar Stadium for 7:30 pm ET. WVU opened the week as a slight home favorite.

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