Class of 2026 safety Rickey Giles appears to have found his ideal fit in West Virginia. The highly touted defensive back recently visited Morgantown and came away thoroughly impressed by what the Mountaineers had to offer—both on and off the field.
Giles, who has been on the radar of several Power Five programs, highlighted the coaching staff, facilities, and overall atmosphere at West Virginia as major factors in his growing interest. “They treated me like family from the moment I stepped on campus,” Giles said. “You can tell the staff genuinely cares about their players, not just as athletes, but as people.”
The visit included a tour of the football complex, meetings with the coaching staff, and a chance to get a feel for the campus and surrounding community. Giles praised safeties coach Dontae Wright and head coach Neal Brown for their straightforward approach and vision for the program. “They’re building something special here, and I could see myself being a part of it,” he added.
On the field, West Virginia’s defensive scheme and track record of developing defensive backs also stood out to the young prospect. Giles noted the program’s physical, fast-paced style aligns perfectly with his strengths as a versatile safety who can play both in coverage and run support.
With several high-profile offers already on the table, Giles isn’t rushing a decision, but he made it clear that West Virginia made a lasting impression. “They checked all the boxes,” he said. “It felt like home.”
As recruiting heats up for the 2026 class, West Virginia has positioned itself as a serious contender for Rickey Giles. If the early connection is any indication, Mountaineer fans may have reason to hope that the standout safety ends up in blue
and gold.
