WVU hosts No. 1 linebacker from 2027 class, the son of former Dallas Cowboys star commit to WVU over Florida and Georgia…
WVU hosts No. 1 linebacker from 2027 class, the son of former Dallas Cowboys star commit to WVU over Florida and Georgia…
West Virginia University has fortified its recruiting pitch by landing a visit from one of the most attention-grabbing linebackers in the Class of 2027—Mason Wilhelm, son of former Super Bowl champion linebacker Matt Wilhelm. The 6’4″, 285‑pound athlete from St. Edward High School in Lakewood, Ohio, has officially scheduled his trip to Morgantown for June 6–8. This move isn’t just another weekend visit—it represents a strategic moment in a hotly contested recruiting battle with Power Five contenders.
—
Legacy links: a lineage of elite linebackers
Mason Wilhelm’s pedigree speaks volumes. His father, Matt Wilhelm, enjoyed a standout career at Ohio State before spending eight seasons in the NFL—with San Diego, San Francisco, and Green Bay—culminating in a Super Bowl XLV triumph over the Steelers . Growing up in a football family, Mason not only inherits his father’s athletic prowess, but carries the legacy—and the expectations—that come with it.
—
What WVU sees: size, versatility, and development fit
West Virginia’s recruiting strategy underscores Wilhelm’s fit:
Versatility on the line: At 6’4″, 285 lbs, he possesses the athleticism to play multiple interior line positions—something offensive line coach Jack Bicknell Jr. emphasized as valuable .
Growth under legacy staff: With Rich Rodriguez and Bicknell emphasizing a rebuild of the offensive front, landing a player like Wilhelm represents a dual win—on-field upside and locker-room leadership.
Path to early impact: WVU’s emphasis on developing athletic linemen makes it a prime landing spot for Wilhelm, who could be more than just a reserve; he’s seen as a potential anchor.
—
Recruiting snapshot: a crowded visit weekend
The timing couldn’t be more critical:
Other major visits: Wilhelm has slated trips to North Carolina, Pittsburgh, and Maryland around the same timeframe. Notably, he recently committed to North Carolina—unless WVU lures him to flip his pledge .
Compelling pitch week: WVU’s scheduled official visit falls immediately after his Chapel Hill visit, placing WVU in prime position to reel him in with a sharp presentation of its program, facilities, culture, and education.
For the Mountaineers: a statement of intent
Landing Wilhelm would signal several things for WVU:
1. Recruiting muscle in the trenches – Reinforcing their Big 12 competitiveness.
2. Winning over high-profile legacies – Convincing sons of NFL vets affirms WVU’s development model.
3. Cultural boost – A player with Wilhelm’s background elevates both on-field leadership and recruiting buzz.
—
What to watch on the visit
Facility tour & coaching meetings: The depth of interaction with Rodriguez, Bicknell, and the offensive staff will be under scrutiny.
Player interactions: Chemistry with veterans could sway Wilhelm toward WVU’s tight-knit locker room.
Community & campus feel: Morgantown’s unique environment often resonates with recruits seeking a supportive atmosphere.
—
Final outlook
Mason Wilhelm’s visit to Morgantown this weekend goes beyond routine recruiting—it’s a critical juncture in WVU’s bid to upgrade its offensive line and program profile. As the son of an NFL veteran, Wilhelm brings both elite bloodlines and football IQ. If WVU can match North Carolina’s momentum with a compelling on-campus experience, Wilhelm could join a growing list of high-impact Mountaineer recruits.
Expect the recruiting experts and fans to watch this weekend closely. Whether Wilhelm flips to WVU or holds his current commitment to UNC, one thing is clear: West Virginia made its mark—with both ambition and sincerity.
—
Let me know if you’d like a deeper dive—breakdown of his film or comparisons to current and past WVU linemen.
