WVU Reveals Standout Pitching Rotation for Season Opener

Transfers and freshmen set to lead Mountaineers' pitching staff in 2026 campaign

Published on Feb. 12, 2026

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West Virginia head coach Steve Sabins announced the starting rotation and standout pitchers for the Mountaineers' 2026 season opener against Georgia Southern. The rotation will feature several Division II transfers, including Chansen Cole, Dawson Montesa, and Ian Korn, who Sabins believes can transform into stars at the Division I level. Maxx Yehl and freshmen David Perez, JT Huther, and Wyatt Mosley were also highlighted as key contributors to the pitching staff.

Why it matters

WVU has found success in recent years by recruiting pitchers from lower divisions and turning them into standout performers. This strategy has paid dividends, with the Mountaineers' top pitchers over the last two seasons coming from Division II programs. The ability to identify and develop talent from all levels is a key advantage for the program as it looks to build on its recent success.

The details

Sabins announced that transfer Chansen Cole will start on Friday, Dawson Montesa on Sunday, and Maxx Yehl on Saturday. Cole has impressed with his consistency since arriving on campus, while Montesa was a diamond in the rough found by scouts throwing 95 mph at a small school. Korn, the national Division II pitcher of the year last season, will also provide a major impact out of the bullpen. Freshmen David Perez, JT Huther, and Wyatt Mosley have also stood out and could see significant playing time.

  • The Mountaineers open their 2026 season on February 14 against Georgia Southern University.
  • Sabins made the pitching rotation announcement on February 9, 2026.

The players

Steve Sabins

The head coach of the West Virginia Mountaineers baseball team.

Chansen Cole

A transfer pitcher from a Division II program who will start on Friday for the Mountaineers.

Dawson Montesa

A transfer pitcher from Adelphi University, a small school in New York, who will start on Sunday for the Mountaineers.

Ian Korn

A transfer pitcher from Seton Hill University who was the national Division II pitcher of the year last season and will provide a major impact out of the bullpen for the Mountaineers.

Maxx Yehl

A Mountaineers pitcher who is transitioning from a limited relief role to becoming the Saturday starter.

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What they’re saying

“When you're recruiting a transfer portal, starting pitching. Pitchers that are able to throw 80 to 100 innings, whether it's NAIA, Division II, Division III, Division I, that just means that you're able to stay healthy, compete and not implode on the mound. I don't care if you're facing Little Leaguers or you're facing big leaguers, it doesn't really matter.”

— Steve Sabins, Head Coach (on3.com)

“[Cole] just came in with like, such conviction and clarity that he's capable. He's really been a pleasant surprise. He'll actually be our Friday night starter to open up the series against Georgia Southern. And he's a pitchability righty that has been very consistent for us.”

— Steve Sabins, Head Coach (on3.com)

“Dawson Montesa, who's going to be a starter for us.”

— Steve Sabins, Head Coach (on3.com)

“Ian Korn has been fantastic. He was the national division two pitcher of the year last year, and he's been a great strike thrower, competitive. He's going to provide a ton of value to our team and chance.”

— Steve Sabins, Head Coach (on3.com)

“Yehl is probably one of the bigger sleepers in the country, because last year he was recovering from Tommy John, and so his sophomore year, he really showed some glimpses of dominance.”

— Steve Sabins, Head Coach (on3.com)

What’s next

The Mountaineers will open their 2026 season on February 14 against Georgia Southern University at J.I. Clemens Stadium in Statesboro, Georgia.

The takeaway

West Virginia's ability to identify and develop pitching talent from all levels of college baseball, including Division II transfers, has been a key to their recent success. This strategy appears poised to continue paying dividends in 2026 as the Mountaineers look to build on their strong pitching staff and make a push for the postseason.