Top WVU Targets Arrive for Official Visits: Mountaineers Eye Key Commitments
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — It’s a pivotal weekend for West Virginia football as several of the program’s top 2025 and 2026 recruiting targets have arrived in Morgantown for official visits. Head Coach Neal Brown and his staff are rolling out the red carpet, hoping to secure commitments that could significantly shape the future of the Mountaineers’ roster.
Among the headline names on campus is four-star wide receiver Malik Coleman out of Atlanta, Georgia. Coleman, standing at 6’2” and 190 pounds, has elite speed and route-running ability. He’s drawn offers from SEC powerhouses such as Georgia and Florida, but West Virginia has remained a constant in his top group. A strong showing this weekend could push WVU over the top in his recruitment.
Joining Coleman is three-star linebacker AJ Thomas from Akron, Ohio. Known for his high football IQ and sideline-to-sideline range, Thomas has been a top target for the Mountaineers’ defensive staff. With WVU placing a premium on physicality and versatility at the linebacker position, Thomas would be an ideal fit. Sources say he’s been in regular contact with the coaching staff and is looking forward to experiencing the game-day atmosphere during his visit.
Another key visitor is offensive lineman Jake Ramirez from Fort Lauderdale, Florida. A towering presence at 6’6” and 305 pounds, Ramirez is a prototypical tackle with raw strength and quick feet. Offensive line coach Matt Moore has made Ramirez a top priority for the 2025 class, and the Mountaineers are expected to make a hard push for a verbal commitment before the weekend ends.
West Virginia is also hosting dual-threat quarterback Preston James from North Carolina. James, a three-star talent with a big arm and solid mobility, is considered one of the most underrated QBs in the region. He fits the mold of a modern college signal-caller, capable of running read-option concepts while also stretching defenses vertically. The visit gives him a chance to connect with offensive coordinator Chad Scott and see how he would fit into WVU’s evolving offensive scheme.
The staff has structured the visit with a mix of campus tours, meetings with academic advisors, position-specific film sessions, and team bonding events. Saturday night’s players-only dinner is expected to be a highlight, giving recruits a chance to bond with current players and get an authentic look at the locker room culture.
“This is a crucial weekend for us,” one WVU staffer said. “We’ve identified guys who not only have high-end talent but also align with what we value—toughness, grit, and a commitment to development.”
With momentum building from a strong spring and high hopes for the 2025 season, this wave of official visits could mark a turning point. If West Virginia can land commitments from even a few of this weekend’s targets, the program’s recruiting profile will take a significant leap forward.
All eyes are on Morgantown this weekend as the Mountaineers aim to build the foundation for future success—one commitment at a time.