West Virginia University (WVU) baseball fans have been living through a season they won’t soon forget. The Mountaineers’ wild run to the College World Series? Yeah, that’s the kind of thing that grabs even the most casual fan’s attention.
All this excitement has sent merchandise sales soaring. Two players, Armani Guzman and Gavin Kelly, have become top names on the NIL Store, thanks to their performances both on the diamond and off.
Let’s take a look at what these two have accomplished, how NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) deals are changing the game, and what could be next for these guys.
Mountaineers’ Historic College World Series Run
The 2026 season is going down as a milestone for WVU baseball. For the first time ever, the Mountaineers made it to the College World Series.
That alone has sparked a wave of energy among fans, who’ve been snapping up team gear like it’s going out of style. The NIL Store, which makes gear for student-athletes, says that West Virginia’s Armani Guzman and Gavin Kelly were two of the top three selling athletes last week—only Illinois freshman quarterback Dane Eisenmenger outsold them.
Armani Guzman’s Record-Breaking Performance
Armani Guzman’s season? Nothing short of memorable. He made history by pulling off a straight steal of home in the first inning against Troy—something no one had done in the College World Series since 2000.
That play wasn’t just a flash in the pan. It pushed Guzman past Victor Scott II for the most steals in a single season in WVU program history.
Now, as a junior, Guzman’s at a crossroads with the 2026 First-Year Player Draft coming up. He didn’t get an invite to the MLB Combine, which probably means he’s looking at a late-round pick, if at all.
It’s possible he’ll come back to Morgantown for his senior year. If he does, you’d have to think the Mountaineers have a real shot at getting back to Omaha.
Gavin Kelly’s Power Surge
Gavin Kelly’s been a force too, tying the single-season home run record at WVU with 19 bombs. He’s only a sophomore, so he’s not eligible for the MLB Draft yet.
But with a little more time in the weight room, it’s not a stretch to imagine him breaking the home run record outright in 2027. Kelly’s got that kind of upside.
Top NIL Sellers
The NIL Store’s latest rankings show just how marketable Guzman and Kelly have become. Here’s last week’s top sellers:
- Dane Eisenmenger – Illinois freshman quarterback
- Armani Guzman – WVU baseball
- Gavin Kelly – WVU baseball
- Andrej Stojakovic
- David Mirkovic
- Micah Alejado
- Braden Smith
- Charlie Becker
- Owen Hull
- Andi Jackson
Each sale from the NIL Store sends a cut straight to the student-athlete, which is a game-changer for a lot of these guys. Guzman’s “Stolmaha” shirt, selling for $39.99, has been flying off the shelves—no surprise there.
The Impact of NIL Deals
NIL deals have turned college athletics upside down, honestly. Student-athletes can finally profit from their name, image, and likeness, and that’s opened a lot of doors.
For players like Guzman and Kelly, it means they can start earning real money while still in school. Their success in the NIL marketplace says a lot about how much support is building for WVU baseball right now.
Future Prospects
Looking ahead, things seem pretty bright for both Guzman and Kelly. If Guzman comes back for his senior year, he’s got another shot at breaking records and improving his draft stock.
For Kelly, next season is a chance to build on what he’s already done and maybe put himself right at the top of the 2027 draft conversation. There’s a lot to be optimistic about if you’re a Mountaineers fan.
Conclusion
The 2026 season has been a landmark year for WVU baseball. Historic achievements have set a new standard for the team.
Standout players like Armani Guzman and Gavin Kelly have made their mark. Their performances weren’t just impressive—they’ve also brought in significant NIL earnings.
That kind of financial boost really shows how much support and excitement surrounds the program right now. Fans seem more engaged than ever, and you can feel the energy building.
If you want more details on the top NIL sellers and how these deals are shaking up college sports, check out the full article on the Sports Illustrated website.
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