The West Virginia Mountaineers have added a sizeable transfer portal class this offseason as they look to reload their roster after a disappointing 4-8 season.
Here at the FanSided network, we operate an entire NCAA division with each team site led by a 'site expert' serving in an editor-style role. We reached out to the experts at sites for various WVU football transfer acquisitions this offseason, and here's what they had to say about a few of the new Mountaineeers.
Michael Hawkins Jr., QB - Oklahoma
Dekota Gregory, Site Expert at Stormin' in Norman: "Michael Hawkins will forever be in OU lure as the first freshman quarterback to ever start against Texas in the Red River Rivalry and as QB1 for the Sooners’ first-ever SEC win when they took down Auburn in Hawkins’ first career start.
During that win against Auburn, he had flashes that made OU fans believe he was the future of the program, and although that talent is certainly there still to be tapped, he was underwhelming every other time he was out there, especially in his lone start of 2025 against Kent State.
With John Mateer returning, transferring was definitely the best move for Hawkins, because a real opportunity, which he never actually got in Norman, will be the only way Hawkins reaches his real potential."
Geimere Latimer, CB - Wisconsin
Mark Knight, Site Expert at Badger of Honor: "Geimere came to Wisconsin via the transfer portal, and many thought he might be the boundary corner opposite of Ricardo Hallman, but he almost exclusively played in slot coverage.
He's got good inside coverage moves, but doesn't have the elite speed of the outside corner, and does better in space than 1-on-1. He's a solid player with good tackling and ball-hawk skills, but won't wow more than just consistent play."
Malachi Hood, LB - Illinois
Rees Woodcock, Site Expert at Writing Illini: "He was an okay player. Mediocre in coverage, but a good tackler. The Illinois defense was underwhelming, so Hood never really developed."
Tobi Haastrup, EDGE - Oregon
Dale Bliss, Site Expert at Autzen Zoo: "He tried football in the 7th grade, but it didn't take. In track as a sophomore he ran a 10.7 hundred meters. He heaved the shot 52 feet. A coach suggested he try football again.
He's a freak athlete. Has only played football for two seasons. Had something like eight sacks in his first high school game."
Kamari Wilson, S - Memphis, Arizona State, Florida
Benjamin Henderson, Site Expert at Hail Florida Hail: "He was a highly rated guy and fans were excited because Billy Napier grabbed him from IMG, a place Florida wasn't getting guys from under Dan Mullen. Wilson played some in 2022, showing competency while there were still areas he could improve upon."
David Howman, Site Expert at Devils in Detail: "Kamari Wilson came in with lofty expectations at Arizona State. His physicality and burst made him an exciting option for the nickel role in Brian Ward's 4-2-5 defense, but he was beat out by Shamari Simmons, who quickly became the Sun Devils' most impactful defensive back.
With Simmons gone after 2024, Wilson looked to have a clear path to the field, which made his decision to transfer a little surprising."