Transfer portal attrition begins for West Virginia football on Wednesday

Nov 16, 2024; Morgantown, West Virginia, USA; Baylor Bears running back Bryson Washington (30) catches a pass for a touchdown while defended by West Virginia Mountaineers linebacker Trey Lathan (4) during the first quarter at Mountaineer Field at Milan Puskar Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ben Queen-Imagn Images
Nov 16, 2024; Morgantown, West Virginia, USA; Baylor Bears running back Bryson Washington (30) catches a pass for a touchdown while defended by West Virginia Mountaineers linebacker Trey Lathan (4) during the first quarter at Mountaineer Field at Milan Puskar Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ben Queen-Imagn Images | Ben Queen-Imagn Images

West Virginia lost it's first post-Frisco Bowl group of players to the transfer portal on Wednesday.

It was expected with new Head Coach Rich Rodriguez inheriting a roster that went 6-7 that a number of players recruited by former coach Neal Brown would decide to explore new options -- linebacker Josiah Trotter announced his intent prior to the bowl game and has since landed at Missouri.

On Wednesday, the news got going with third-string quarterback Ryder Burton -- who transferred in from BYU this summer but saw no action -- hitting the portal. This was followed by announcements later in the day from reserve offensive lineman Sullivan Weidman and starting linebacker Trey Lathan entering the portal as well.

Lathan is the biggest blow, as he appeared in all 13 games for WVU and finished the season with 79 tackles, 2 sacks, and a forced fumble. Losing both Lathan and Trotter are significant losses to a defense which already struggled in 2024.

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