The bar has officially been raised for WVU basketball heading into the 2026-27 season, and the excitement is already building. With a 14th-ranked high school recruiting class in the nation, a transfer portal class pulled entirely from power conferences, and the arrival of Miles Sadler—the most hyped incoming point guard since Jonathan Hargett—this team is poised for something special.

November may feel a world away, especially with Best Virginia sitting out this summer’s TBT, making the offseason stretch even longer. But head coach Ross Hodge has given Mountaineer fans plenty to talk about between now and then. Fourteen of the fifteen roster spots are filled, and the transfer portal is officially closed. So, let’s dive into what this means for the season ahead.

First, a look at where the portal departures landed offers valuable insight into the roster turnover. It’s not just about who left, but what their new destinations say about the program’s direction under Hodge. Meanwhile, the incoming freshman class is turning heads—each player brings a unique background, skill set, and level of hype that has fans buzzing.

Then there’s Miles Sadler. The question on everyone’s mind: How hyped should we actually be? And who from WVU basketball history offers the best comparison for this rising star? The answers might surprise you.

The transfer portal class itself is a game-changer. Unlike Year 1’s additions, this group is drawn entirely from the power conferences, signaling a shift in strategy and ambition. When you pair that with Evan Maya’s analytics, Year 2 grades out even stronger than Year 1, and the numbers paint a clear picture of what playing for Ross Hodge looks like—a system built for success.

For the full breakdown, including a detailed look at the roster and what it all means for the season, tune into the latest episode of Unreasonable Doubt. You can listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, and all major platforms. And don’t forget to follow us on Twitter @smokingmusket and @imjoshwhitt for the latest updates.