Setting the Pace: West Virginia Lands First 2026 Commitment in RB Jett Walker
MORGANTOWN, WV – The West Virginia Mountaineers have officially secured their first commitment for the highly anticipated Class of 2026, with three-star running back Jett Walker announcing his pledge to the program. This early commitment signals a strong start for head coach Rich Rodriguez and his staff as they continue to build for the future.
Walker, a talented prospect out of Georgetown, Texas, is known for his impressive productivity and versatile skillset. At 6-foot-2 and 212 pounds, he possesses the ideal size and athleticism to thrive in West Virginia’s offensive scheme. His junior season saw him put up eye-popping numbers, rushing for an astounding 2,348 yards and 38 touchdowns while averaging over 10 yards per carry, earning him District 8-5A MVP honors.
The Mountaineers’ coaching staff, particularly Coach Rodriguez and running backs coach Larry Porter, played a pivotal role in securing Walker’s commitment. Their sustained interest and the strong relationship they built with him proved instrumental. Walker’s unofficial visit to Morgantown on March 29 appears to have sealed the deal, as he left with a strong impression of the campus, facilities, and the overall program culture.
Walker chose West Virginia over a host of other notable offers, including those from Houston, Oklahoma State, Ohio, Charlotte, and UNLV, among others. His decision to commit early reflects a high level of comfort and confidence in the Mountaineers’ vision for his future.
This commitment is significant for West Virginia for several reasons. Firstly, it provides an early anchor for their 2026 recruiting class, setting a positive tone and potentially encouraging other top prospects to consider Morgantown. Secondly, it addresses a key position need, bringing in a highly productive back with the physical tools to contribute early in his collegiate career. Walker’s ability to quickly get vertical, display strong contact balance, and pull away from defenders in the open field makes him an exciting addition to the Mountaineer backfield.
The plan is for Walker to enroll at West Virginia in January 2026, allowing him to get a head start on his collegiate career and integrate into the team’s strength and conditioning program. With this early commitment, West Virginia is signaling its intent to compete for top talent and lay a strong foundation for future success under Coach Rodriguez.
