The West Virginia University wrestling team announced on May 15 the signing of eight wrestlers ahead of the 2026-27 season. Five of these additions are transfers, with Max Vanadia from Michigan State leading the group at heavyweight.
This recruitment is significant as it brings experienced talent to the team. Vanadia qualified for the 2025 NCAA Wrestling Championships and placed eighth at that year’s Big Ten Championships. His achievements include being a three-time Ohio State Championships placer.
Other notable signees include Banks Love, a two-time National Junior College Athletic Association All-American from Western Wyoming Community College, who holds a record as Western Wyoming’s all-time wins leader and was a four-time Utah State Championships placer. Luke Sipes joins from North Carolina after placing in Pennsylvania’s state championships four times and being ranked No. 147 overall in his class by MatScouts.
Luca Felix, an NC State transfer and Morgantown native, is a two-time West Virginia state champion whose father previously served as an assistant coach at West Virginia University. Jake Stacey arrives from Arkansas Little Rock with accolades including Super 32 All-American honors and multiple Tennessee state placements.
The incoming freshman class features Aiden Bliss, Ashton Hobson, and Paxton Hunt—each bringing strong high school records such as multiple state championship qualifications and national rankings by MatScouts.
These signings aim to strengthen the program’s competitive prospects for upcoming seasons.
