BREAKING: Four-Star WR Donovan Murphy Commits to WVU Mountaineers in Bombshell Decision
In a move that has shaken up the college football recruiting landscape, four-star wide receiver Donovan Murphy announced his commitment to West Virginia University (WVU) Mountaineers, sending shockwaves across the country and stunning several powerhouse programs. Murphy, the 6’2″, 190-pound speedster from Norcross, Georgia, had long been projected to land at an SEC juggernaut, with Georgia, Alabama, and Tennessee each considered frontrunners. But in a decision no one saw coming, Murphy pulled a signature blue and gold Mountaineers cap from under the table at his live-streamed commitment ceremony on Wednesday afternoon.
> “West Virginia felt like home. I’m ready to build something special in Morgantown,” Murphy said, flashing a WVU “Flying WV” chain around his neck.
Murphy, ranked the No. 16 wide receiver nationally and the No. 7 player in Georgia by 247Sports Composite, becomes the highest-rated wideout to commit to West Virginia since Tavon Austin in 2009. He’s known for his explosive acceleration, acrobatic catch radius, and fearless mentality across the middle of the field. Scouts have compared him to former LSU standout Justin Jefferson for his route discipline and late separation ability.
What makes the commitment even more astonishing is that WVU wasn’t even on Murphy’s Top 5 list released in April. According to insiders, a late push by Mountaineers offensive coordinator Chad Scott, paired with the tireless recruiting effort by head coach Neal Brown, helped seal the deal during Murphy’s official visit earlier this month.
> “The coaches didn’t just talk about football,” Murphy’s mother, Kayla Johnson, said. “They talked about who he is as a young man. That meant everything to our family.”
Murphy visited Morgantown on the June 7–9 official weekend and reportedly connected deeply with quarterback commit Trey Harmon, WVU’s 2025 four-star signal-caller. Sources say the two spent hours breaking down film together in the team’s new facility and even worked out in a private throwing session that had the staff buzzing.
“This is a game-changer,” said 247Sports analyst Steve Wiltfong. “West Virginia just landed a true WR1 who can contribute as a freshman and possibly be a top NFL Draft pick in three years.”
With Murphy’s pledge, West Virginia now rises to No. 17 nationally in the 2025 recruiting rankings—its highest June position since 2008. He is expected to play both inside and outside receiver roles in WVU’s newly revamped spread offense, and insiders say he’s pushing for early enrollment in January to start spring ball.
For Mountaineer fans, the message is clear: WVU isn’t just here to compete—it’s ready to win big.
As the news rippled across social media, fans flooded platforms with hashtags like #MurphyToTheMountains and #FlyingHighWithDonovan. The WVU coaching staff celebrated in the team war room with cheers reportedly heard echoing through the Puskar Center.
Murphy’s commitment doesn’t just reshape West Virginia’s receiver room—it may signal a new recruiting era in Morgantown.
