Why West Virginia will contend for a Big 12 title in 2024

The new landscape of college football could open up a path for the West Virginia Mountaineers to become an instant national contender again. 

So while the Big 12 media poll predicts WVU to finish far from contention, there are reasons for fans to believe in the Mountaineers in 2024. 

The WVU football program owns 15 conference titles, but has never been able to even contend for one since joining the Big 12. But it’s now very possible the Mountaineers are poised to take another step in their climb under head coach Neal Brown. 

“And it gives access. We have two guaranteed spots in the Big 12, and depending on how the league goes, we could have three or upwards of four that are getting in the playoff. And so it definitely adds another dimension,” said Brown recently while appearing on the “Oklahoma Breakdown” podcast. 

But easier access won’t mean anything if WVU can’t take advantage of it by winning. With that said, here are three reasons why West Virginia will surprise people and contend for a Big title in 2024. 

Everything points to a big year for Garrett Greene 

There’s no doubt that Garrett Greene is WVU’s QB1 and the Mountaineers will only go as far as he’ll take them. It was said throughout the spring session that Greene needs to greatly improve his accuracy for West Virginia to contend for a Big 12 title. 

Despite showing explosiveness, both as a passer and runner, Greene finished the 2023 season with a pedestrian 52.9 completion percentage. Brown has made it known he expects his quarterback to be closer to 60% this season. Greene has also endured an offseason full of polarizing comments from media all over the country.

But now that Greene has a season as a season as the full-time starter under his belt and an abundance of weapons around him, Greene should be better and smarter. He even touched on taking the check down instead of trying to look for the big play after fall camp practice. 

WVU offense is loaded around Greene 

Aside from his development, the overall talent around Greene should lead to the WVU offense taking a step forward in 2024. Brown and his staff were able to retain most of Greene’s key weapons. And West Virginia was also able to add new pieces like wide receiver transfers Jaden Bray (30 rec, 382 yards, two TD with Oklahoma State) and Justin Robinson (21 rec, 257 yards with Mississippi State). 

Add those two veterans to a receiver group that already included established players Hudson Clement (22 rec, 480 yards, four TD), Traylon Ray (18 rec, 321 yards, three TD) and Preston Fox (26 rec, 368 yards, two TD), a dynamic tight end in Kole Taylor (35 rec, 444 yards, four TD) and a two-headed monster of a running back duo in Jahiem White (109 car, 842 yards, four TD) and CJ Donaldson (171 car, 798 yards, 11 TD) and the Mountaineer offense is loaded. 

Defense has more depth 

Even though scoring enough points is essential in the Big 12, WVU’s defense is what some point to as a weakness for the team. However, there’s actually more depth than last year, and barring any injuries, should be better. 

Safety Aubrey Burks (48 tackles, two INT) and linebackers Trey Lathan (27 tackles) and Josiah Trotter are healthy. Transfer defensive backs Garnett Hollis (33 tackles, one INT with Northwestern) and Jaheem Joseph (24 tackles three INT with Northwestern) should make up for the loss of Beanie Bishop while Ohio State transfer Reid Carrico brings an elite level of talent to the linebacker unit. 

Factoring in the quality experience and depth, the Mountaineers are more prepared to deal with any potential injuries this season.