Five Newcomers West Virginia Fans Will Love

A look at the new faces that will make an impact for the Mountaineers in 2026 and beyond

Published on Feb. 18, 2026

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Sports Illustrated highlights five newcomers to the West Virginia football team that Mountaineer fans will quickly fall in love with, including a returning fullback, a pair of offensive linemen, a transfer defensive end, and a hard-nosed linebacker. These players are expected to make an immediate impact on the field with their toughness, physicality, and work ethic.

Why it matters

West Virginia is looking to build on recent success and compete for a Big 12 title in the coming years. These new additions to the roster bring the type of attitude and playing style that aligns with the program's identity and should help the Mountaineers achieve their goals.

The details

The five newcomers highlighted are: FB Kayden Luke, a fullback who will bring an old-school toughness to the offense; OL Camden Goforth, an overlooked recruit with a great work ethic; OL Devin Vass, a Kansas State transfer with a mean streak; EDGE Tobi Haastrup, an athletic freak of a pass rusher via the transfer portal; and LB Tyler Stolsky, a physical linebacker known for his toughness.

  • Kayden Luke committed to West Virginia in October 2024.
  • Camden Goforth signed with West Virginia in the 2026 recruiting class.
  • Devin Vass transferred to West Virginia from Kansas State ahead of the 2026 season.
  • Tobi Haastrup joined West Virginia via the transfer portal in the offseason.
  • Tyler Stolsky will be a newcomer to the Mountaineers in 2026 after transferring in.

The players

Kayden Luke

A fullback who will bring an old-school toughness and attitude to the West Virginia offense, reminiscent of former Mountaineer legend Owen Schmitt.

Camden Goforth

An offensive lineman who may have been overlooked in recruiting but is expected to make a big impact with his strong work ethic and alignment with the program's identity.

Devin Vass

A transfer offensive lineman from Kansas State who plays with a mean streak and physicality that will fit in well with West Virginia's offensive line tradition.

Tobi Haastrup

A defensive end transfer who is an athletic freak, and the Mountaineers hope can develop into an early-round NFL draft pick with his ability to set the edge and play the run.

Tyler Stolsky

A linebacker known for his toughness, hard edge, and physicality, similar to recent Mountaineer standout Chase Wilson.

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The takeaway

These five newcomers to the West Virginia football program embody the type of tough, physical, and hard-nosed players that head coach Rich Rodriguez is looking to build his team around as the Mountaineers aim to compete for a Big 12 championship in the coming years.