Veteran WVU Football DL Hammond Russell to Finish Eligibility Elsewhere

With one year of eligibility remaining, defensive lineman Hammond Russell will enter the transfer portal and leave the WVU football program. Russell announced his decision on social media on Wednesday.

“First, I want to thank God for blessing me with the opportunity to play the sport I love,” Russell said. “I also want to thank coach Neal Brown, coach Trickett, and coach Lesley for believing in me, recruiting me, and giving me the chance to grow both as a player and a person. I am grateful as well to coach Mitch, coach Mike, Aaron, and the entire strength staff for pushing me to become bigger, faster, and stronger throughout my time here,” said Russell.

“With all that being said, and with nothing but love and respect for Morgantown. I will be entering the transfer portal with one year of eligibility remaining. Thank you, West Virginia, for everything. This place will always feel like home to me.”

Russell made 13 tackles in nine games this past, including 2.5 tackles for a loss and two sacks.

The Dublin, Ohio, native recorded 17 tackles, including seven solo stops, along with three sacks and 3.5 tackles for a loss in 2024 and 10 tackles in 2023 season. Russell took redshirts in both 2021 and 2022.