WVU Baseball Has One of the Best Recruiting Classes in the Nation Under Steve Sabins
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — In what many are calling a defining moment in West Virginia University baseball history, head coach Steve Sabins has quietly assembled one of the most formidable recruiting classes in the nation—an achievement that signals a new era in Mountaineer baseball.
Dubbed “The Appalachian Arsenal” by insiders, the 2025 class is stacked with raw talent, high-IQ players, and a rare blend of speed and power. At the heart of this recruiting coup is Sabins’ relentless work ethic and magnetic ability to connect with recruits—not just as athletes, but as people. With a reputation for development and a knack for discovering under-the-radar talent, Sabins is fast proving that Morgantown isn’t just a stepping stone—it’s a destination.
Leading the pack is right-handed pitcher Jace Wilkerson, a 6’4” flamethrower from Texas who routinely touches 97 mph with his fastball and pairs it with a devastating 12-6 curve. Wilkerson turned down offers from SEC powerhouses, citing “the culture and vision Coach Sabins has built at WVU.” Scouts are already comparing him to a young Walker Buehler.
Next is switch-hitting shortstop Malachi Rhodes from Georgia, known for his lightning-fast hands and fearless defense. Rhodes, ranked #13 in the nation by Perfect Game, brings a high-energy, team-first mentality that echoes WVU’s grit-and-grind ethos. “I wanted to go somewhere I could lead, not just blend in,” Rhodes said during his commitment interview. “WVU felt like home the second I stepped on that field.”
Add in outfielder Lucas Guerra, a Puerto Rican speedster who stole 43 bases his senior year, and lefty slugger Jackson Kane out of Illinois—who hit 21 home runs and posted a .482 average in 2024—and the class reads more like a future All-Star lineup than a group of incoming freshmen.
Sabins, who took the helm after long-time coach Randy Mazey stepped into a program advisory role, has revitalized the Mountaineers’ approach to both recruiting and development. His use of advanced analytics, individualized training plans, and a “one heartbeat” team culture has captured national attention. Multiple top-25 programs have reportedly tried to lure assistants from Sabins’ staff—proof of the impact being made in the hills of West Virginia.
“It’s not just about the names on the back of the jersey,” Sabins said at the recent press conference introducing the new class. “It’s about pride, growth, and building something that lasts. This group? They’re not just coming to play baseball—they’re coming to build a legacy.”
WVU, once seen as a scrappy underdog in the baseball world, is now a contender to fear. With this top-tier recruiting class, a rejuvenated coaching staff, and a fan base hungry for Omaha, it’s safe to say the country will be watching the Mountaineers very closely in the years to come.
The revolution isn’t coming. Under Steve Sabins—it’s already here.