Some Important Information That Will Aid WVU’s 2024 Big 12 Title Chase
With most of their core returning, the West Virginia Mountaineers are hoping to build on their nine-win campaign in 2024, and as a result, there are a lot of high expectations in Morgantown.
Upon examining WVU’s recent additions to the portal and observing the Big 12, it appears that they have a good chance of qualifying for the Big 12 Championship in Dallas.
A road trip to Arizona was going to be one of the biggest obstacles they would have to overcome. With a ton of talent returning from a team that just finished the season with a 10-3 record and seven straight victories, the Wildcats are predicted to be among the top 10 teams in the preseason.
Head coach Jedd Fisch announced his decision to leave Arizona on Sunday in order to take over as Kalen DeBoer’s replacement at Washington. The Huskies, who will play their first season in the Big Ten Conference, are hoping to retain some members of the squad that competed in the national championship game.
Although Fisch’s departure is a great loss for the Wildcats, the program may suffer more from what could occur in the days that follow. Every time a head coach departs from a program, a number of players usually use the transfer portal. Keeping quarterback Noah Fifita, who threw for 2,869 yards and 25 touchdowns as a freshman, will be their top priority.
Arizona’s chances of losing to West Virginia in the desert would greatly increase if Fifita or any other important players were to leave the portal. In 2024, West Virginia will also travel to Texas Tech, Oklahoma State, and Cincinnati for away games.
Teriq Mallory (Cheshire, CT) is a wide receiver in the class of 2025; this weekend, West Virginia joined Maryland, UConn, and UMass as the schools offering him.
After his visit, Mallory and his family were taken into head coach Neal Brown’s office to discuss the program and ask questions. Brown immediately informed Mallory that he had been offered the role and expressed his love for his film before leaving.
Mallory will always remember what transpired following the offer.
Sincerely, I’m thrilled about this offer because it means a lot to me. Furthermore, I received a call from Tavon Austin, a person I greatly admire. I’m just really absorbing everything, word for word.”
Mallory informed Mountaineers Now that Austin contacted him on Instagram, which resulted in a 15-minute phone conversation.
It was an extremely startling event. I listened intently to what he had to say and the guidance he was offering. He advised me to simply absorb everything, saying that things will start to happen quickly. He added that he is not just talking to me on the phone to get me to pick WVU. He wants me to use him as a mentor and keep him informed as he helps me along the way, but he will always be there for me no matter where I go. Previously, I didn’t feel a strong connection with him, but at this point, I sense that he is guiding and supporting me. I am truly appreciative of the wonderful life advice he gave me.”
Mallory has West Virginia ranked “pretty high” on his list and intends to visit the school again before making a decision this summer.
“I cherished the experience and environment at WVU. The thing that most impressed them was how well I matched their offensive strategy and program objectives. I was thrilled to accept the head coach’s offer because I had worked so hard to earn it and because I would love to play for their coaching staff.”
