The transfer portal does take players away, but it does also give them in return. That felt like the case on Tuesday as hours after the West Virginia Mountaineers saw linebacker Ben Bogle enter the transfer portal, the Mountaineers picked up a strong replacement at the position through the portal as Illinois linebacker Malachi Hood committed to the WVU football.
Hood joins the Mountaineers after a four-season stint with the Fighting Illini, and will have at least one seasonofligibility remaining in Morgantown – but potentially two if a medical redshirt is approved. Hood played in 25 games for Illinois over the past two seasons, and during his junior campaign in 2025, he tallied 44 tackles and one sack and was honored as an All-Big Ten Academic selection.
Hood was a depth piece in 2024 before moving into the starting rotation this past season, and he recorded 366 snaps for the Illini this season, mostly operating as an inside linebacker. With Bogle entering the portal and Reid Carrico and Chase Wilson out of eligibility, the addition of Hood should add some much-needed veteran experience and depth at the linebacker position in 2026.
Hood is the second commitment at linebacker out of the transfer portal this offseason for the Mountaineers, joining UNLV linebacker Isaiah Patterson. He is also the second defensive addition through the portal to bring starting experience at the Big Ten level, joining former Wisconsin slot corner Geimere Latimer. Overall, WVU has added nine players so far in the transfer portal.