By: Clark Johnson | WV Sports Chat
Morgantown, WV – Despite the WVU Football program landing some solid prospects in the NCAA Transfer Portal, there were a number of significant departures. Today, I am going to take a look at the 5 BIGGEST LOSSES for West Virginia’s roster heading into 2026. These players were either highly-productive pieces that were expected to make a leap, or role players that could have seen their contributions expand.
For the second year in a row, the Mountaineers were among the teams with the most roster departures in the nation.
Here are WVU’s 5 BIGGEST LOSSES to the NCAA Transfer Portal:
- Jahiem White (RB – R. Jr.) – Many expected White to have a breakout season in 2025. That inevitably never came to fruition after the Pennsylvania native suffered a season-ending injury on September 6th against Ohio. Heading into 2026, White was seen as the offense’s foundation once again. However, that all came to a screeching halt when the upcoming redshirt junior entered the NCAA Transfer Portal. Though many have speculated his departure as a coach’s decision, there’s no denying his experience would’ve been vital in a revamped Mountaineer running back room.
- Nicco Marchiol (QB – R. Jr.) – It could be argued that quarterback Nicco Marchiol did not fit in Rich Rodriguez’s offense. That would be a fair assumption given his lack of production in the first quarter of the 2025 season. While there are intriguing points on both sides of the debate, Marchiol’s departure leaves a big void in WVU’s quarterback room. The Chandler, Arizona native shined in the brightest moments, leading the Mountaineers to two victories in the Backyard Brawl (2023 and 2025). Even with an uphill battle to secure the starting role in 2026, Marchiol could’ve been a huge asset to Rhett Rodriguez’s position group.
- Jordan Scruggs (CB – R. Sr.) – At this point, there has been no word on if Scruggs will be given an extra year of eligibility by the NCAA. That does not, however, take away from the significant loss he is to the Mountaineer roster. For the second year in a row, the WVU Football program will be faced with mass inexperience in the secondary. Scruggs, who notched 2 pass deflections and 1 interception in 2025, would’ve been a great bridge defensive back as Zac Alley ushers in the next generation of the Mountaineer defense.
- Diore Hubbard (RB – R. So.) – Had it not been for injuries in 2025, it is highly likely that Diore Hubbard does not finish as WVU’s leading rusher. That is not reality, though. Hubbard played a key role in somewhat salvaging a lost season in November. Even with his production likely set to decrease with incoming talent, having the Ohio native’s experience in the running backs room would have made him a great mentor for the young newcomers.
- Cam Vaughn (WR – Jr.) – This one will likely spark debate among Mountaineer fans. Say what you want to about Vaughn, but it is hard to deny that he was West Virginia’s best offensive contributor in 2025. Had the Texas Tech debacle not happened, this departure would have had a larger impact on the fanbase. With the loss of Cam Vaughn to Miami, the WVU Football program will now be without a clear cut number one at wide receiver.
(Photo by WVU Athletics)
