Rich Rodriguez just pulled off another recruiting heist—and this one hits like a linebacker blitz through the A-gap.
In what’s quickly becoming a red-hot recruiting stretch for West Virginia, the Mountaineers have flipped 2026 linebacker Antoine Sharp, stealing him from UCF’s grasp and adding yet another rising defensive enforcer to their already-impressive class. The 6-foot-1, 212-pound thumper from Palm Beach Central High School in Florida is officially Morgantown-bound.
This isn’t just another commitment—it’s a statement. And if Sharp’s junior season was any indication, WVU just landed a tackling machine with sideline-to-sideline destruction coded in his DNA.
THE BREAKDOWN: Who is Antoine Sharp?
Let’s start with the eye-popping numbers. During his junior campaign, Sharp racked up a jaw-dropping 133 total tackles, including 13.5 tackles for loss and 4.5 sacks. Throw in an interception and a fumble recovery for good measure, and you’ve got a versatile, high-motor linebacker who doesn’t just fill gaps—he erases them.
At 6’1″, 212 pounds, Sharp combines speed, strength, and instinct. He diagnoses plays with surgeon-like precision and arrives with bad intentions. Whether he’s shutting down the run or dropping into coverage, Sharp brings a physicality that opposing offenses feel long after the final whistle.
He’s not just a stat-stuffer—he’s a tone-setter.
WHY SHARP CHOSE WEST VIRGINIA
Though originally committed to UCF, Sharp was far from under the radar. He fielded offers from Florida State, Missouri, Pitt, Maryland, Indiana, Tulane, East Carolina, Liberty, Appalachian State, Marshall, Western Kentucky, and more.
But something about West Virginia called to him—and it wasn’t just the scenic mountain views. The Mountaineers are building something different under Rich Rodriguez, and Sharp clearly sees the future of the defense revolving around him.
With Coach Rod reviving a program steeped in gritty, blue-collar toughness, it’s no wonder a high-energy defender like Sharp found his home in Morgantown. In today’s college football world, flipping a Power Five commit—especially a Florida linebacker—is no easy feat. But WVU made it happen. That speaks volumes about their momentum and vision.
STACKING THE DEFENSE: WVU’s 2026 Class Gets Even Meaner
With Sharp now in the fold, West Virginia’s 2026 recruiting class is shaping up to be a defensive coordinator’s dream. The linebacking corps in particular is bursting with potential and range. Sharp joins fellow LBs Miles Khatri and Cameron Dwyer, giving WVU a formidable trio with unique skill sets and sky-high ceilings.
Throw in DBs like Simaj Hill, JUCO standout Jaylon Jones, and hard-hitting safeties Taj Powell and Emory Snyder, and suddenly you’ve got the blueprint of a defensive renaissance.
This is no longer about just surviving in the Big 12—it’s about imposing your will.
WHAT’S NEXT?
With recruiting season heating up, West Virginia isn’t slowing down. They’re flipping commits, dominating social media, and building the kind of class that could change the entire trajectory of the program. The addition of Antoine Sharp is the latest in a series of smart, aggressive moves that signal one thing:
The Mountaineers are back—and they’re coming with edge, attitude, and a whole lot of muscle.
Stay tuned for further breakdowns, film analysis, and insider coverage as WVU continues to light the recruiting trail on fire.
2026 West Virginia Recruiting Class (So Far):
- QB: Jyron Hughley
- RB: Jett Walker
- TE: Sam Hamilton
- OL: Rhett Morris
- EDGE: Noah Tishendorf
- DL: Cam Mallory
- LBs: Miles Khatri, Antoine Sharp, Cameron Dwyer
- DBs: Simaj Hill, Jaylon Jones (JUCO)
- Safeties: Taj Powell, Emory Snyder
And the list keeps growing…
