West Virginia Big Man Withdraws From Portal, Returns to Morgantown
In a surprising twist that electrified Mountaineer Nation, 6-foot-10 center Elijah “E.J.” Caldwell announced his decision to withdraw from the NCAA transfer portal and return to West Virginia University. After weeks of speculation surrounding his future, Caldwell, who averaged 9.2 points, 6.8 rebounds, and 1.4 blocks per game last season, will suit up once again in the gold and blue, bringing stability and much-needed size back to a frontcourt in flux.
The announcement came via a short video posted to social media in which Caldwell, standing in front of the iconic Woodburn Hall, simply said, “Unfinished business.” That statement reverberated across the college basketball world, but nowhere louder than in Denton, Texas, where UNT head coach Ross Hodge had been actively pursuing Caldwell to anchor the Mean Green’s front line. Hodge, known for his gritty, defensive-minded teams, had identified Caldwell as a perfect fit — a rim protector with soft touch and veteran savvy.
But Morgantown called him home.
Caldwell’s decision couldn’t have come at a better time for new West Virginia head coach Darris Nichols, who took over a program reeling from a turbulent offseason filled with transfers and uncertainty. Nichols, a former Mountaineer point guard himself, has emphasized culture and continuity in his first few months at the helm, and getting Caldwell back is a cornerstone move.
“E.J. has always represented what it means to be a Mountaineer,” Nichols said in a statement. “He plays hard, he’s coachable, and he wants to win. Having him back isn’t just about numbers — it’s about leadership, pride, and finishing what he started.”
Caldwell’s return also shifts the dynamics of the roster. Instead of scrambling for graduate transfers or untested freshmen to eat minutes in the post, WVU now boasts a proven Division I big man with three years of experience in the rugged Big 12. His presence opens up the floor for the team’s wing-heavy offense, giving shooters more space and providing a defensive anchor on the other end.
Behind the scenes, sources close to Caldwell say the decision was about more than basketball. His younger sister, Mia, will be a freshman at WVU in the fall, and the opportunity to be close to family weighed heavily. Add to that his strong connection to the Morgantown community — where he’s volunteered at local schools and food drives — and staying started to make more sense than leaving.
Now, rather than walking into an unfamiliar locker room, Caldwell returns to one that knows his name, trusts his game, and is eager to rally around him. With a full summer ahead to train and lead, his choice not only reshapes the West Virginia roster but reaffirms the program’s foundation in loyalty and resilience.
In a sport increasingly defined by movement, Caldwell’s return is a rare gesture — a statement that sometimes, the best step forward is staying put.
