Steve Sabins and West Virginia Land Big-Time Transfer Matt Ineich: A Program-Changing Power Move
In a bold offseason statement that sent shockwaves across the college baseball world, West Virginia University and head coach Steve Sabins have pulled off a recruiting coup by landing Matt Ineich, one of the most electric and versatile transfer prospects in the nation.
Ineich, a 6’2” fireballer and slugging infielder from Arizona State, announced his commitment to the Mountaineers in dramatic fashion—via a late-night post that simply read: “Country Roads, Take Me Home.” The post went viral within minutes, signaling a massive win for a WVU program on the rise under the newly installed leadership of Sabins.
The move comes just weeks after Sabins officially took over as head coach following a long tenure as assistant under Randy Mazey. His first few months at the helm have been anything but quiet. With the program already riding high after a deep NCAA tournament run, Sabins made it clear he wasn’t just maintaining the momentum—he was accelerating it. Ineich’s addition confirms that message loud and clear.
Matt Ineich isn’t just another transfer—he’s a game-changer. As a sophomore at ASU, he posted a .321 batting average, launched 14 home runs, and racked up 48 RBIs. On the mound, he brought serious heat, touching 96 mph on the gun and collecting 38 strikeouts in 22 innings of relief. Scouts have long praised his rare two-way talent, comparing his athleticism to MLB stars like Brendan McKay and Shohei Ohtani.
Sources close to the WVU program say Ineich was drawn not only to the Mountaineers’ competitive edge, but also to Sabins’ energy and vision. “Coach Sabins sees me as a cornerstone piece,” Ineich said during his commitment interview. “He believes in letting players be themselves and putting them in a position to dominate. That’s what I want.”
The move is already sending ripples through the Big 12. WVU, long seen as an underdog program fighting for respect in baseball, is now firmly in the spotlight. With Ineich expected to start at third base and close games on the mound, West Virginia may boast one of the most dynamic weapons in the country.
Sabins, never one to shy away from bold proclamations, summed it up in signature fashion at a press conference inside Monongalia County Ballpark: “We’re not here to play small ball anymore—we’re here to win championships. Matt Ineich is just the beginning.”
Indeed, with national eyes turning toward Morgantown and the transfer portal tilting heavily in WVU’s favor, it appears a new era of Mountaineer baseball has begun. The Mountain State is buzzing—and so is college baseball.
