5 Questions Ahead of the 2028 Rankings Update

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>Get 30% Off Your Subscription with Code PRZWV30 at Checkout!</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The 2028 class continues to take shape heading into another important offseason update, and there are still plenty of questions surrounding the board. Between physical development, expanding varsity roles, and a growing number of prospects starting to emerge across the state, this cycle could bring more movement than people expect. Some players have strengthened their hold near the top, while others are beginning to push their way into the conversation. Before the updated rankings release, here are some of the biggest storylines surrounding the 2028 class.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>WILL THERE BE MOVEMENT AT THE TOP?</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Ever since the first 2028 Watch List was released following their freshman season, this group has looked like one of the strongest classes West Virginia has produced in recent memory. That opinion has only become stronger as more prospects continue developing and attracting college attention. Multiple players already hold D1 offers, and there are several others trending toward that level as evaluations continue. This class is loaded with high-end talent and players capable of becoming cornerstone recruits for major programs. By the time the cycle is finished, it would not be surprising to see more than 20 members of this class go on to play D1 football. The talent at the top is real, which makes any potential movement in the rankings worth watching closely.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>WHICH PLAYERS TOOK THE BIGGEST SOPHOMORE LEAP?</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The 2028 class has been on our radar for a long time, and many of the top prospects have continued developing along the path we expected. Because of that, this update may not feature massive movement throughout the board after a large amount of updated film was already evaluated during the winter cycle. Still, some players helped themselves in a big way over the offseason. Strong camp performances, physical development, and growing college attention have created movement opportunities for several prospects heading into the next rankings release. Even in a deep and established class, there are always players finding ways to separate themselves.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>WHICH POSITION GROUPS LOOK THE STRONGEST?</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The strength of the 2028 class starts at quarterback. We've been consistent about that since these players first emerged, and the depth at the position continues to stand out heading into another update cycle. There are as many as six quarterbacks in this class, we believe, who have legitimate D1 potential, which is extremely rare for West Virginia at this stage of development. All six currently sit inside the Top 15 of the rankings, showing just how top-heavy and talented the group has become. Beyond quarterback, running back continues to show impressive depth with several playmakers emerging across the state, while offensive line has quietly developed into another strong area of the class with size, athleticism, and long-term upside throughout the board.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>CAN THE 2028 CLASS BUILD MORE DEPTH?</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The top of the 2028 class is loaded with talent, but the next step for this group is building stronger depth throughout the rankings beyond the Top 100. That's normal at this point in the process, as players continue to develop heading into their junior seasons and begin stepping into larger varsity roles. Historically, by the end of their senior season, the Top 150 usually represents the group we feel confident can attract scholarship-level attention from D1 and D2 programs. The 2028 class already has high-end talent at the top of the board, and now the focus shifts toward finding the next wave of prospects capable of emerging into that conversation over the next year.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>WHICH POSITIONS ARE STILL DEVELOPING?</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>While the offensive side of the ball has developed impressive depth in the 2028 class, the defensive side is still working its way there heading into junior year. There are talented prospects and several emerging names across the state, but overall depth remains thinner along the defensive line, at linebacker, and throughout the secondary. That's not unusual at this stage, especially when younger defenders are still waiting on larger varsity roles and more experience. Defensively, programs tend to trust veteran players, particularly when matching up against some of the explosive offenses around West Virginia. As more opportunities open up over the next season, there should be room for the 2028 class to continue growing on that side of the ball.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->