Will Family Connection Help WVU Gain Recently Available 2026 4-Star OL?

Will a family connection help convince a top prospect who recently re-opened his recruitment to become a Mountaineer? That’s certainly the hope of the WVU football staff.

Minutes after 2026 four-star offensive lineman Bear McWhorter announced he’s withdrawing his commitment to Arkansas, his cousin and West Virginia quarterback commit Brodie McWhorter made his support clear.

“God’s timing… I just know you’ll make the right decision1 Love ya, cuzzo,” replied Brodie to Bear’s post on X (Twitter). 

gods timing .. i just know you’ll make the right decision ! 🤞🏼 love ya cuzzo https://t.co/I3ljH8UGyQ

— Brodie McWhorter (@BrodieMcWhorter) June 30, 2024

Before de-committing on Sunday, Bear had been committed to the Razorbacks since last summer. He then explained his decision in the statement below.

“De-committing is something that never even crossed my mind last August when I committed to the Razorbacks,” said the Kingston, Ga. native out of Cass High School. Even now, my love for the Hogs and Coach [Sam Pittman] hasn’t changed. After lots of thought, prayer and conversations with my family, I realize I only get to go through this process once in my life and have a long [time] to go before I put pen to paper. With that being said I will be de-committing from Arkansas in order to take more time and rest assure I make the right decision for my future.”

Their relationship sparked WVU fans to speculate on the possibility Bear could join his cousin in Morgantown.

Adding a player of Bear’s caliber would be a big piece for WVU’s 2026 class, but of course, the Mountaineers will have plenty of competition for him throughout the next year. Florida State, Penn State, Tennessee and Virginia Tech are all considered to be in play again. WVU sent Bear an official offer back in early January.

As for the McWhorter and Cass product already locked in with the West Virginia, Brodie committed on June 24.

”All glory to God! There is nothing else like Morgantown and who wouldn’t want to play for coach Brown? More than grateful for the WVU staff. Country roads, take more home! Who’s next.” McWhorter wrote on social media.

2026 4-Star QB Brodie McWhorter Commits to WVU

Two major national recruiting outlets rank McWhorter as a four-star while one awards him only three stars.

To put Brodie McWhorter’s recruitment in context, he has offers from Auburn, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Michigan State, North Carolina and Ohio State among others. And in addition to those offers, Alabama, Clemson, Louisville, LSU, South Carolina and Tennessee have also expressed interest.

He became the second commitment for WVU’s 2026 class.

Follow WV Sports Now for more WVU football recruiting coverage.