Xavier Bausley in Line for More Snaps in 2025? | WVU Football All 105

All 105 is a West Virginia Sports Now series profiling each member of the 2025 WVU Football Roster.

While Xavier Bausley transferred from Jacksonville State to West Virginia at the end of his redshirt freshman season, he didn’t do so because he was following new Mountaineers head coach Rich Rodriguez. He actually chose West Virginia — he’s a native of Dunbar, W.Va. and attended South Charleston High School — the prior season, making the jump to the Division I level after a 2023 season that saw him earn freshman All-American honors while paving the way for a Gamecocks rushing attack that ranked No. 3 in the nation.

After making 11 starts at Jacksonville State, Bausley worked his way into the Mountaineers lineup as a swing tackle in 2024. At 6-foot-4 and 310 pounds, he possesses the bulk needed to play his position and could end up in line for a larger share of playing time as he continues to develop.

78 • Xavier Bausley, redshirt junior offensive line

Last year: Bausley appeared in five games for the Mountaineers in 2024, largely as a reserve. 

Stats: His season high in snaps taken came on Oct. 5, 2024 against Oklahoma State, when he appeared for 11 plays.

Camp outlook: Transfers and graduations hit West Virginia’s offensive line room hard during the offseason, and Bausley’s experience under Rich Rodriguez will give him an advantage as he looks to acquire a bigger role in the offense.

Projected role: With Rodriguez adamant about open position battles as he gets used to a roster in flux, Bausley has a chance to pick up a starting role at tackle. Even if he ends up as a reserve, he’ll likely see more usage than he did in 2024 as a result of Rodriguez’ run-heavy attack.

Accolades, highlights: Bausley earned a Second Team Freshman All-American selection from the Athletic in 2023, also making the All-Freshman team for Conference USA. At South Charleston, he won the 2020 AAA state championship and a pair of second team all-state nods.

Coverage links: 

WVU Football Welcomes Transfer Xavier Bausley Home to West Virginia

Jacksonville State Transfer OL Returns Home, Commits to WVU Football