Would Neal Brown Ever Welcome Back Former Mountaineers Available in Portal?

The advent of the Transfer Portal has allowed players the flexibility and freedom to change their situation, sometimes even multiple times throughout their college career. And while it’s not something that usually happens, it’s even possible a player who once departed from a program could return again before their eligibility is up.

During his first media session since wrapping up the regular season, WVU head coach Neal Brown was asked if he would consider welcoming a player who once chose to exit West Virginia back if the opportunity presented itself. This is a relevant question due to former Mountaineer Winston Wright Jr. deciding to return to the portal again after injuries derailed his chances at achieving individual success at Florida State.

I asked WVU HC Neal Brown on his philosophy about players who once transferred out of his program and if he would welcome them back now that they are available. Hinting about Winston Wright. He said it depends on how they left. He said some he would welcome back and some he would…

— Mike J. Asti (@MikeAsti11) December 5, 2023

Brown gave a pretty diplomatic response, granted one that most coaches around the country share. He said it depends on how the player left. Brown would be willing to welcome some back into the fold, but not interested in others even if they become available.

Brown elaborated to say that some of the players that have transferred out of WVU under his leadership have done it the right way. He said he understood their reasons at the time and respects their decisions. However, he did also say that some of the players who have left did not handle things well and that’s why he would not allow them on his team again.

As expected, Brown did not mention any specific names, but some have speculated if West Virginia would extend an offer to Wright during this current December window. To this point, WVU has not sent an offer to Wright.

Former Mountaineer Winston Wright Back on Market, Enters Transfer Portal

Overall throughput his college career, Winston Wright has 133 receptions for 1,374 yards and has scored seven touchdowns. He also gained 1,310 yards and scored twice as a kickoff returner with West Virginia.

Wright’s best season came in 2021 as a Mountaineer, catching 63 balls for 688 yards and finding the end zone five times.

You can find Wright and other transfer players listed on our partner the Portal Report’s database. He is listed as one of the Portal Report’s top transfer wide receivers.

Click here for WV Sports Now’s coverage of WVU football recruiting.

For a related story and an example of a player Neal Brown may feel did not leave the right way, a source told WVSN that Brown knew about former Mountaineer Charles Woods’ decision to transfer before he announced it. Woods also fired off his own side of the story.