West Virginia Freshman Tyshawn Dues Enters Transfer Portal

West Virginia University freshman wide receiver Tyshawn Dues has declared his intention to enter the NCAA Transfer Portal. Dues made this announcement via social media, stating, “With it being in my best interest, I have decided to enter the Transfer Portal.” He did not participate in any game action during his freshman season and will have four years of eligibility remaining once he officially enters the portal when it opens on January 2, 2026.

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Dues, a 5-foot-10, 168-pound athlete from Hurricane, West Virginia, was rated as a three-star prospect in the class of 2025. He was ranked as the third-best player in West Virginia and the No. 193 receiver nationally. Prior to joining West Virginia, he received offers from several programs, including Marshall and Appalachian State, but chose to commit to the Mountaineers under former head coach Neal Brown. During his high school career, Dues recorded impressive statistics, catching 80 passes for 1,490 yards and 13 touchdowns over his junior and senior years.

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Dues is among the first players to announce his intent to transfer as the Mountaineers prepare for significant roster changes. Freshman linebacker Mike Hastie also announced his intention to enter the transfer portal, marking a trend of early departures from the program. Hastie played in only two games this season and will also retain four years of eligibility. The transfer portal officially opens on January 2, but players are expected to announce their intentions throughout December, often following exit meetings with coaching staff.

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West Virginia head coach Rich Rodriguez acknowledged the ongoing roster evaluations, stating, “Everybody’s going to have some exit meetings with their position coaches... We’re going to have to make some tough decisions going forward.” This indicates a proactive approach to managing player movements and addressing team needs, particularly in positions where the Mountaineers require additional depth and talent.

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While the transfer portal provides players with opportunities to seek better fits for their careers, some critics argue that frequent transfers can disrupt team cohesion and development. The coaching staff's ability to retain talent amidst these changes will be crucial for the program's future success.

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As the transfer portal opens, West Virginia is expected to actively seek new talent to bolster its roster. The coaching staff will likely focus on filling gaps, particularly in the linebacker position, where they have expressed a need for increased speed and athleticism. The Mountaineers have already signed seven receivers in the early signing period and will continue to assess their roster as players like Dues and Hastie explore their options.

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• “With it being in my best interest, I have decided to enter the Transfer Portal.” — Tyshawn Dues, Wide Receiver, West Virginia University

Sports Illustrated

• “We’re going to have to make some tough decisions going forward with some the guys on the roster and then there’s others that may choose to leave on their own.” — Rich Rodriguez, Head Coach, West Virginia University

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