WVU Received $6.1M After DeVries Left for Indiana

Despite a similar record, West Virginia's future looks brighter under new coach Ross Hodge

Published on Mar. 2, 2026

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A year after Darian DeVries left West Virginia to take the head coaching job at Indiana, the Mountaineers have received $6.1 million in buyout money. Despite having the same 17-12 record through 29 games as DeVries did in his lone season, new head coach Ross Hodge is building a strong young core that has the program poised for long-term success.

Why it matters

The buyout money gives West Virginia resources to invest in the program and build on the foundation laid by DeVries. While the short-term results may be similar, Hodge's ability to recruit top talent like Miles Sadler suggests the Mountaineers' future is brighter under his leadership.

The details

DeVries left West Virginia after just one season to take the head coaching job at Indiana, triggering a $6.1 million buyout payment to the Mountaineers. Through 29 games, new head coach Ross Hodge has the same 17-12 record that DeVries posted in his lone season. However, Hodge is building around young stars like Amir Jenkins, DJ Thomas, and the program's highest-rated recruit ever in Miles Sadler, suggesting long-term success is on the horizon.

  • A year ago, Darian DeVries was the head coach at West Virginia.
  • DeVries left West Virginia to take the head coaching job at Indiana.
  • West Virginia received a $6.1 million buyout payment from Indiana after DeVries' departure.
  • Through 29 games, new West Virginia head coach Ross Hodge has the same 17-12 record as DeVries did in his lone season.

The players

Darian DeVries

The former head coach of the West Virginia Mountaineers, who left the program after one season to take the head coaching job at Indiana.

Ross Hodge

The current head coach of the West Virginia Mountaineers, who is building a strong young core and has the program poised for long-term success.

Amir Jenkins

A key building block for West Virginia under Hodge, expected to be a core player for the Mountaineers over the next few seasons.

DJ Thomas

Another young star for West Virginia, expected to be a key contributor alongside Amir Jenkins in the coming years.

Miles Sadler

The highest-rated recruit in West Virginia program history, joining the team as a freshman and adding to the Mountaineers' promising young core.

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What’s next

The Mountaineers will look to build on their strong young core and continue developing under Coach Hodge, with the goal of returning to the NCAA Tournament in the coming seasons.

The takeaway

While West Virginia's short-term results may be similar to last season, the program's long-term future looks brighter under Coach Hodge, who is assembling an impressive young nucleus of talent that could make the Mountaineers a perennial contender in the Big 12 once again.