West Virginia University's defense has seen several players from their roster express intentions to enter the transfer portal ahead of the official opening on April 16th. The defensive line has lost seven freshmen or redshirt-freshmen players, leaving a combined 14 players at defensive end and defensive tackle. Notable returners in this group include seniors Edward Vesterinen, Hammond Russell, and Jimmori Robinson, as well as juniors Asani Redwood, Adam Tomczyk, and Jackson Biser.
In the linebacker room, the Mountaineers have retained 12 players despite one redshirt-freshman departure. Seniors Braden Siders, Chase Wilson, Reid Carrico, and Caden Biser bring experience, with Wilson having started all 13 games at Colorado State last season. The defensive backfield has seen eight departures, including seniors Fred Perry, Jordan Walker, and Keke Tarnue, who played a significant number of snaps last season. The influx of transfers has notably impacted the defensive back position group for West Virginia.