When the Mountaineers clinched their spot in the College World Series, it marked a watershed moment for a program that had hovered on the brink of extinction just over a decade ago.
A Season of Firsts
The team not only earned its first-ever appearance in the final stage of NCAA baseball but also secured the right to host a super regional, a testament to the rapid progress achieved since the program was nearly shuttered 14 years ago.
Coach and staff have emphasized continuity, with several key contributors set to return for the 2027 campaign, while the roster remains a work in progress due to the fluid portal market and the upcoming MLB Draft.
Among those who will be back are a core group of veterans, including Reese Bassinger, Carson Estridge, Ian Korn and Ben McDougal, who will anchor the lineup alongside draft‑eligible standouts such as JJ Glasscock, Dawson Montesa and Maxx Yehl.
At the same time, a wave of fresh talent is arriving on campus. Incoming freshmen like Colin Harrison, Slade Barton and Kyle Casteel join the program, while transfer portal additions such as Griffen Paige and Korey Alston bring experience from other collegiate programs.
Graduates and Departures
The outgoing side of the ledger includes graduates Reese Bassinger, Carson Estridge, Ian Korn, Ben McDougal, Brodie Kresser, Matthew Graveline, Ben Lumsden, Paul Schoenfeld, Brock Wills and Sean Smith, who will move on after completing their eligibility.
The final roster for 2027 is still being shaped, as decisions on players who are not draft‑eligible but can return — such as Joshua Surigao, Chansen Cole and David Hagen — will hinge on personal goals and professional opportunities.
With a blend of seasoned returnees, promising newcomers and a dynamic transfer market, the Mountaineers are poised to build on this breakthrough and aim for sustained success in the coming years.