Rich Rod strikes again—and this time, it’s a heat-seeking missile from the JUCO ranks.
In what has been a relentless recruiting surge for West Virginia’s 2026 class, the Mountaineers have landed a critical piece to their defensive future: Aaron Edwards, a dynamic, versatile safety from Northeastern Oklahoma A&M, has officially pledged his commitment to WVU. At 6-foot-3, 200 pounds, this JUCO standout brings the kind of length, physicality, and football IQ that screams “Power Five ready.”
And let’s be clear—this wasn’t a quiet pickup. Edwards chose the Mountaineers over a strong list of suitors that included Rutgers, Tulsa, New Mexico, UTSA, Texas State, and UTEP. But in the end, Morgantown had everything he was looking for—and more.
“The visit went great!” Edwards told West Virginia On SI.
“The coaches treat you like family. The academics are strong—they provide all the support a player could need. What stood out most was how the staff puts guys in position to thrive. They already have a vision for me playing multiple spots in the secondary. I just know I’m going to make plays in this defense.”
That’s the kind of confidence you want from a defensive back—and it’s exactly what Coach Rich Rodriguez and his staff are counting on. Edwards isn’t just a plug-and-play safety. He’s a chess piece—a rangy, instinctive field general who can play deep, roll into the box, or even match up with tight ends and slot receivers. Versatility is his calling card, and the Mountaineers plan to use every bit of it.
The JUCO Pipeline Is Officially Open in Morgantown
Edwards becomes the second junior college player to commit to WVU’s 2026 class, joining cornerback Jaylon Jones, as part of a broader strategic push by Rodriguez and his staff to reestablish the Mountaineers as a force in JUCO recruiting. This isn’t just a flash in the pan—it’s a calculated return to the blueprint that once made West Virginia dangerous.
In fact, the Mountaineers already signed six JUCO players in their 2025 class, including:
- RB Cyncir Bowers
- DL Elijah Simmons
- DL Adam Tomczyk
- EDGE Marshon Oxley
- EDGE Keenan Eck
- S Kaleb Gray
The message is clear: Rodriguez is building not just a roster—but a pipeline of ready-now talent.
What Edwards Brings to WVU
Edwards isn’t just big—he’s smart. His tape shows a player who reads the quarterback like a book, attacks ball carriers with ruthless intent, and plays sideline-to-sideline without hesitation. Whether it’s erasing a deep threat, forcing a fumble in the flat, or crashing down on a screen, Edwards plays like a heat-seeking missile—and he hits like a freight train.
Even better? He has two years of eligibility remaining after the 2025 season thanks to a redshirt, giving WVU flexibility and long-term upside.
WVU’s 2026 Class Is Becoming a Beast
With Edwards now in the fold, West Virginia’s 2026 class is morphing into a defensive juggernaut with offensive firepower to match. Here’s the full roll call of future Mountaineers:
- QB Jyron Hughley – Field general in the making
- RB Jett Walker – Slippery, powerful, explosive
- WR Robert Stith – Deep-ball dynamo with 10 TDs in 2024
- TE Sam Hamilton – A matchup nightmare in space
- OL Rhett Morris, Camden Goforth – Interior trench warriors
- EDGE Noah Tishendorf – Relentless edge pressure
- DL Cam Mallory – Disruptor in the middle
- LBs Cameron Dwyer, Antoine Sharp, Miles Khatri – Tough, instinctive backers
- DBs Simaj Hill, Jaylon Jones (JUCO) – Smooth coverage with elite closing speed
- Safeties Taj Powell, Emory Snyder, and now Aaron Edwards – Versatility, athleticism, and violence at every level
This class is not just promising—it’s terrifying.
West Virginia isn’t just collecting recruits—they’re building an army. And Aaron Edwards? He might just be the missile defense system this secondary needed.
Stay tuned. If this is what the Mountaineers are doing in June… you might want to buckle up for what’s coming this fall.
