WVU Football Ready to Fully Unleash JaCorey Thomas, Jason Chambers

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. – Needing all the help they can get, WVU unleashed newcomer JaCorey Thomas and the returning Jason Chambers at Iowa State. Their 2026 debuts didn’t end up mattering, as West Virginia still allowed 577 yards to the Cyclones in the 45-42 loss.

But despite the overall struggles of the defensive unit, Alley was still mostly pleased with how Thomas and Chambers played in limited roles. However, the limited part will change moving forward.

Alley plans to unlock more from both players, most notably Thomas – he has the pedigree of being a starter in the SEC and experiencing a College Football Playoff game on his resume. Thomas recorded three solo tackles and Chambers registered four in total, with a pair credited as solo.

Alley believes they “can really help the team” and are now ready to be out there for more snaps.

Leading up to the Iowa State game just days after he was made eligible, Alley labeled Thomas as a “physical” player and someone who is easy to be around. Alley called him “fun loving” and said he was able to be easily be accepted in the locker room despite the award scenario of coming in with the season already underway and competing to take playing time away from existing contributors.

Thomas, who spent four seasons at Georgia from 2022-25, and several others were granted an injunction and temporary restraining order thanks to a ruling inside a Monroe Circuit Court in the State of Indiana in front of West Virginia’s game with Oklahoma State. However, there wasn’t enough time to get him ready to play by Saturday night.

He recorded 45 total tackles and one for a loss and a sack with the Bulldogs in 2025.

As for Chambers, he’s back in college football after earning an invite to an NFL rookie mini camp. He transferred to West Virginia ahead of the 2025 season. He recorded 34 total tackles with four pass deflections and an interception.

Before becoming a Mountaineer, Chambers played 11 games at Appalachian State in 2024, recording 38 tackles, 0.5 tackles for loss, a pass breakup and an interception

Find more coverage of the WVU football program at WV Sports Now.