In a stunning twist that has sent shockwaves through the college basketball world, Jayden Forsythe, a top-100 recruit and former Xavier signee, has committed to West Virginia University (WVU), marking a significant coup for the Mountaineers’ new head coach, Ross Hodge.
Forsythe, a 6-foot-5 shooting guard from Westtown School in Norristown, Pennsylvania, had initially committed to Xavier in September 2024. However, the departure of Xavier’s head coach, Sean Miller, to Texas in March 2025 prompted Forsythe to request a release from his National Letter of Intent, reopening his recruitment.
During his time on the Nike EYBL circuit, Forsythe distinguished himself as an elite shooter, being the only player to shoot over 40% from three-point range on at least 75 attempts. At the prestigious Peach Jam tournament, he averaged 9.5 points per game while maintaining a 39.5% three-point shooting percentage.
Forsythe’s commitment to WVU is particularly noteworthy as it marks the second consecutive offseason the Mountaineers have secured a former Xavier signee, following the addition of Jonathan Powell the previous year. This trend has raised eyebrows and sparked discussions about the dynamics of player recruitment and program loyalty in college basketball.
In choosing WVU, Forsythe cited the strong relationships he built with the coaching staff and the opportunities available to him in the Big 12 Conference. “I’ve built a great relationship with the coaching staff that’s composed of a bunch of great people, and I have everything I need to be successful at the next level,” Forsythe said.
As Forsythe prepares to join the Mountaineers, expectations are high for his contributions to the team’s success. His shooting prowess and basketball IQ are anticipated to make an immediate impact, providing a much-needed boost to WVU’s offensive capabilities. However, the circumstances surrounding his recruitment continue to fuel debates about the evolving landscape of college athletics and the factors influencing player decisions.
With Forsythe’s addition, WVU’s roster gains a dynamic scorer poised to make waves in the Big 12. As the Mountaineers look to rebound from a challenging season, all eyes will be on Forsythe to see if he can help lead the program back to prominence.
