Donovan Haslam Fully Commits to WVU, Turns Down Penn State and Michigan State’s Late Push
In a bold and electrifying move that sent shockwaves through the college football recruiting world, four-star wide receiver Donovan Haslam officially committed to West Virginia University (WVU) on Monday, ending months of speculation. The 6-foot-2, 195-pound standout from Alpharetta, Georgia, had long been on the radar of national powerhouses, but his decision to don the Old Gold and Blue represents a monumental recruiting win for Mountaineers head coach Neal Brown.
Haslam, ranked the No. 16 wide receiver in the 2025 class by multiple recruiting services, had narrowed his choices to three schools: WVU, Penn State, and Michigan State. In recent weeks, both Big Ten programs made aggressive last-minute pushes. Penn State rolled out the red carpet during his official visit to Happy Valley, while Michigan State’s new coaching staff pitched a fast-paced offensive scheme that promised immediate playing time and national exposure.
But none of that swayed Haslam.
“I wanted a place where I felt wanted—not just needed,” Haslam said in a statement released through his high school’s athletic department. “West Virginia didn’t just talk about football. They talked about my development as a person, a student, and a future professional. That mattered.”
According to sources close to Haslam’s camp, WVU wide receivers coach Bilal Marshall was instrumental in building a lasting relationship. “Coach Marshall believed in me before I blew up on the recruiting boards,” Haslam said. “He never stopped calling, checking in, showing up at games. That loyalty means something to me.”
WVU fans have reason to celebrate. Haslam brings an elite combination of speed, body control, and route-running polish. During his junior season at Milton High School, he racked up 1,134 yards on 73 receptions with 12 touchdowns, routinely making defenders miss and drawing double coverage by midseason. His senior campaign, which begins this fall, is expected to further cement his standing as one of the premier receivers in the Southeast.
For the Mountaineers, Haslam’s commitment signals a shift in momentum. WVU has struggled in recent cycles to keep pace with Big 12 competitors in landing elite offensive playmakers. With Haslam on board, they not only boost their receiver room, but also send a clear message: Morgantown is a serious destination for top-tier talent.
Neal Brown, entering a pivotal year in his tenure, didn’t hide his enthusiasm. “Donovan is the kind of young man who changes a program,” Brown said. “He’s a high-character guy, a leader, and he’s got the type of game-breaking ability that keeps defensive coordinators up at night.”
Haslam plans to enroll early and participate in spring practice, giving him a head start on mastering the Mountaineers’ playbook and earning a spot in the rotation. Though he could have joined larger programs with deeper NIL coffers and national prestige, he chose instead to blaze his own trail.
“I want to build something,” Haslam said. “I don’t want to just be another name on a long list. I want to be the name they remember at WVU.”
Mission accomplished—at least for now.
