The transfer portal era has totally reshaped college football. For West Virginia University (WVU), it’s been a mixed bag—sometimes a blessing, sometimes a curse.
The portal’s given the Mountaineers a shot at new talent. But it’s also led to the loss of some pretty important players who’ve gone on to do big things elsewhere.
Let’s talk about eight of the most painful transfer losses WVU football’s had to watch walk away, and what those players did after Morgantown.
The Transfer Portal Era: A Game Changer for College Football
Since late 2018, the transfer portal has changed the rules. Athletes can now transfer between schools without losing a year of eligibility, which has made things a lot more unpredictable.
For schools like WVU, keeping top talent has gotten a lot tougher. The Mountaineers have watched some of their best move on, only to see them thrive at other schools and even in the NFL.
Notable WVU Transfer Losses
Here are eight transfers that really stung for WVU fans:
- Smith: Smith left after 2020, putting up 104 tackles and four interceptions at WVU. He became an All-American as a sophomore, then started at Georgia, adding 70 tackles and four more picks as a senior. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers drafted him in 2024, and now he’s starting in the NFL.
- Mesidor: Mesidor, a two-time All-Big 12 pick, took his talents to Miami (FL) and turned into a star. He racked up 63 tackles, 12.5 sacks, and four forced fumbles, helping Miami get to the College Football Playoff National Championship. He went in the first round of the NFL Draft.
- Porter: Porter also left for Miami (FL). Maybe not as flashy, but he still made a big impact, ending up with 108 tackles and 18 pass breakups before heading to the NFL.
- Jefferson: After a breakout 2022 at WVU, Jefferson spent his last year at LSU. He put up 36 tackles, seven tackles for loss, and 2.5 sacks in the SEC. The 2024 NFL Draft picked him up in the fourth round.
- Prather: Prather flashed potential as a sophomore at WVU, going over 500 receiving yards. He transferred to Maryland, where he piled up 1,290 yards and nine touchdowns over two years, then landed as a 2025 NFL Draft pick.
- Donaldson: After Neal Brown, his recruiter, got fired, Donaldson left for Ohio State. He only managed 361 yards in a crowded backfield, but his absence was obvious at WVU, especially when injuries hit the running backs in 2025.
- Trotter: Trotter left for Missouri after a 93-tackle sophomore year at WVU. He kept it going in the SEC, posting 84 tackles and two sacks, and got drafted in the second round in 2026.
- Lathan: Lathan exploded at Kansas in 2025 with 86 tackles, seven tackles for loss, five pass breakups, and an interception—against WVU, no less. Kansas beat WVU 41-10 in that game. Ouch.
Impact on WVU Football
Losing these players hit WVU hard. Each one brought something special, and their absence left some big shoes to fill.
The Mountaineers have had to scramble, often throwing younger, less experienced guys into the fire. It’s not exactly an ideal situation.
The Future of WVU Football
The transfer portal era has totally shaken up college football. Programs like WVU face both fresh opportunities and some real headaches.
The Mountaineers have lost key players to the portal. Still, they’re working to adapt and rebuild, always chasing that competitive edge.
Honestly, the portal keeps changing. WVU will need to get creative if they want to hold onto their best talent and keep up with the wild pace of college football.
For more insights into these transfer losses and what they mean for WVU football, check out the full article on Hail WV.
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