When the West Virginia Mountaineers landed Zac Alley as their defensive coordinator last season, it was viewed as a massive power move by Rich Rodriguez. The program shelled out a significant amount of money to lure Alley away from his conract at Oklahoma, and it was enough to bring him to Morgantown to reunite with the man he cut his teeth as a defensive coordinator under at Jacksonville State.
But while Alley's defense exhibited flashes of potential last season, it also left a lot to be desired at various points during the year. And to live up to the expectations that accompanied his arrival in West Virginia, Alley will need to show his defense can take a step forward next season. Let's take a look at what the defense should look like.
West Virginia's defensive line
The Mountaineers return several rotational pieces such as Nate Gabriel and Corey McIntyre, who should be able to fill gaps on the inside. This is the biggest area of the team where Rodriguez's staff seeked out JUCO additions, and reports indicate these player were paid at the level of normal FBS portal acquisitions.
This should leave plenty of question marks, but the staff seems to have faith in this assortment of players. On the edges, Harper Holloman and Zeke Durham-Campbell were significant producers at the Group of 5 level as starters last season, and are expected to fill starting roles as pass rushers.
West Virginia's linebackers
The Mountaineers return a veteran starter in Ben Cutter and an experienced depth piece in Ashton Woods, who both played major roles last year. There has also been significant buzz surrounding rising underclassman Cam Torbor this offseason.
In the portal, the Mountaineers acquired a Big Ten starter in Malachi Hood, a former Big Ten starter and Group of 5 standout in Tyler Stolsky, and other younger depth pieces. This room should round out well and be a strong point for the Mountaineers with fewer questions.
West Virginia's secondary
This has been a weak point under multiple West Virginia coaches in recent years, and there are still questions here. Geimere Latimer previously played for Rodriguez and Alley at Jacksonville State and was a Big Ten starter last season, and should anchor the group. Veteran journeyman Andrew Powdrell is the other name that has earned high praise this offseason.
With a former highly-touted prospect and SEC recruit Kamari Wilson and freshman phenom Matt Sieg at safety, things round out decently well at this position. At cornerback, there are larger concerns. But WVU struggled with size at the position in 2025, and acquired three 6-foot-3 corners between JUCO additions and the portal. Nick Taylor also returns after earning meaningful playing time last year.
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