MORGANTOWN — Rich Rodriguez, the head coach of West Virginia University, is looking to expand the role of tight ends in his offensive scheme for the 2026 season. This follows his emphasis last year on the importance of the tight end position, which he described as one of the most challenging roles at WVU, second only to quarterback.
Rodriguez pointed out that tight ends must possess a diverse skill set, including blocking for both pass and run plays and the agility to catch passes. Unlike many offenses that rotate tight ends based on specific plays, Rodriguez”s uptempo strategy requires tight ends who can perform all necessary functions without substitutions, thus maintaining pressure on defenses.
The Mountaineers lost their primary tight end, Grayson Barnes, to graduation. Barnes not only led the tight end group with 21 receptions and over 200 receiving yards but also made crucial contributions, like scoring the game-tying touchdown against Pittsburgh in the Backyard Brawl. In response, WVU retained some tight ends, including Ryan Ward, who gained valuable experience last season.
Rodriguez invested significantly in the transfer portal to bolster the tight end position, adding veteran talents like Josh Sapp from Clemson and Cam Ball from Mississippi State. Sapp, who played four seasons with the Tigers, recorded 11 catches for 150 yards over 13 games last year. Ball brings over four years of experience from both Mississippi State and Buffalo, having participated in 35 games with 10 starts.
Additionally, Rodriguez is eyeing prospects from a strong 2026 high school recruiting class to further enrich the tight end room. “We brought some veteran presence in there,” Rodriguez stated. “Ryan is the most experienced guy, kind of the leader of the group.” With Ward, Sapp, and Ball expected to take on significant roles, Rodriguez aims to have five tight ends ready for action, a notable investment in the position.
“I want to have five,” Rodriguez emphasized. “I want to travel five. We”re going to play three in every game, but we”ll travel with four or five of them if they”re ready to play.” Given last year”s injuries, depth at the tight end position will be paramount, as even those lower on the depth chart may find playing time.
Rodriguez expressed his intent to utilize tight ends more extensively in his offense. Traditionally known for a spread approach featuring three or four wide receivers, he is shifting towards a more physical front that supports a robust run game, which remains central to WVU”s identity.
“We even did some 13 personnel, three tight ends,” Rodriguez noted. “Part of it was due to our running backs and receivers getting hurt, so we had healthy tight ends. It also gives us flexibility with our offensive strategies.”
As preseason practices commence, Ward has distinguished himself as the standout tight end, benefiting from his familiarity with Rodriguez”s system. The remaining tight ends are still acclimating to the complexities of the role within this specific offensive framework. “I like where we”re at right now,” Rodriguez commented. “They”re still learning. The physicality of the tight ends is the next step. Coach (Michael) Nysewander does a good job with those guys.”
