West Virginia University (WVU) has bolstered its defensive lineup by securing the commitment of Villanova linebacker Jason Hall. This marks a significant addition as Hall becomes the Mountaineers’ first linebacker transfer in a recent wave of defensive recruits.
The Mountaineers initially concentrated on enhancing their offensive roster, but with the transfer portal closing, head coach Rich Rodriguez and his staff have shifted focus to fortifying their defense. Hall is the fifth defensive player to commit to WVU since Friday, underscoring the urgency to enhance depth and experience in the linebacker position.
Hall began his college career at Villanova in 2023, participating in four games without recording any defensive statistics. However, his role evolved in 2024, as he played in 14 games, finishing the season with five tackles, one tackle for loss, and one forced fumble. Notably, he contributed two tackles in the first round of the FCS Playoffs against Eastern Kentucky.
By 2025, Hall emerged as a robust presence on the field, again playing in 14 games. His performance included 40 tackles, 4.5 tackles for loss, and 3.5 sacks, in addition to forcing another fumble. Over the past two seasons, Hall has recorded a total of two forced fumbles, showcasing his ability to impact games defensively.
With Hall’s commitment, WVU has now added four linebackers to its roster, most of whom possess valuable experience. The Mountaineers faced a gap in the linebacker position after losing veterans Reid Carrico and Chase Wilson, both of whom have exhausted their eligibility. Although some promising linebackers are emerging from the program, several have opted to transfer out, leaving a need for immediate reinforcements.
Looking ahead to the 2026 season, true freshmen are set to join the team, but they are not anticipated to step into starting roles immediately. Despite a slowdown in transfer acquisitions, WVU is expected to welcome one or two more players, with reports indicating additional visits to Morgantown.
Hall’s commitment signifies the Mountaineers’ ongoing recruitment efforts, bringing their total transfer class to 32 for this cycle. With a combination of high school recruits and transfers, WVU anticipates introducing over 70 new players for the 2026 season. Rodriguez humorously noted the challenge of learning names in 2025, hinting at a similar struggle in the upcoming year.
As WVU continues to refine its roster, the addition of Hall represents a strategic move to enhance its defensive capabilities, preparing the team for the challenges ahead in the competitive landscape of college football.
